tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57155676310289585822024-03-05T09:02:35.704-06:00RVing With PoppaMark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.comBlogger612125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-68061983012717810772014-08-06T19:16:00.001-05:002014-08-06T19:16:26.271-05:00In and Out...<p align="center">August 1, 2014</p> <p align="center">I think we have set our all time record for service in and out of Red Bay. After Bruce finished the body work on Wednesday and Thursday last week and the jacks were replaced on Friday, we figured our paperwork would be shuffled back with the others and the wait for the three hour bay would start. However, late Friday afternoon, we got a call to report to Bay 32 on Monday morning! Wow, record time indeed!</p> <p align="center">But, for now, it is Friday, and the question is, how do we spend our weekend We decided it would be a great time to get a few more things marked off of The To Do List.</p> <p align="center">So, Saturday morning, we dropped the motor home off at</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VEDec3Bju0k/U-LE-j3vsjI/AAAAAAAAS8k/i9VRRS-E2BU/s1600-h/DSC_3955%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3955" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3955" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zha505SvgO4/U-LFAufH9_I/AAAAAAAAS8s/8xqWzjEVasg/DSC_3955_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">Ricky Johnson's home. Ricky works in the Service Center Office and has a part time cleaning business. Today, he is going to clean ours. He cleans the inside from top to bottom, front to back, shampoos the carpets, cleans the tile floor, polishes the wood and counters. He even does the windows! And, while he is busy with the inside, his helper, John, is going to wash and wax the outside! Just what we needed to clear away a little more of that Alaska dirt!</p> <p align="center">We decided since this would be an all day appointment, we would head to the Muscle Sholes area. We stopped at</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9cyCkJAhAXg/U-LFCRuqT9I/AAAAAAAAS80/jkBUtM9ovxE/s1600-h/DSC_3956%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3956" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3956" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DR-6rIs6cqI/U-LFDq13WnI/AAAAAAAAS88/ktfXTpbPGoA/DSC_3956_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">Simmons Tires where the Jeep got 4 new tires.</p> <p align="center">Afterwards, we drove</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SwSTu4zl1DI/U-LFEyJ10gI/AAAAAAAAS9E/IepEe8zISGg/s1600-h/DSC_3957%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3957" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3957" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_XFnr-TGA5c/U-LFGD8jlvI/AAAAAAAAS9M/42NpjEVybVA/DSC_3957_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">across the Tennessee River to Florence where we spent the rest of our day shopping, having lunch, and shopping a little longer. By late afternoon, it was time to head back to Red Bay to pick up the motor home. Thanks, Ricky and John...it looks great!</p> <p align="center">We enjoyed a leisure rest of the weekend at Camp Red Bay.</p> <p align="center">August 4, 2014</p> <p align="center">When six forty-five, Monday morning arrived, we were sitting in front of Bay 32 where</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CZFQUjwHVk8/U-LFHKygo6I/AAAAAAAAS9U/2IrLODH76js/s1600-h/DSC_3960%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3960" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3960" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UqeNy7lyERg/U-LFICLYbgI/AAAAAAAAS9c/GDRBGCD5Z8c/DSC_3960_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">Greg was waiting to pull us in. Our list was pretty simple here, just a few adjustments here and there. However, since we had been operating with no jacks over the last few months, we wanted to make sure that the big slide on the driver's side was not out of adjustment. We told the techs that it had been a little on the sluggish side. So, after a brief consultation, we decided that it was time for a new motor. Wow, it never operated so slick!</p> <p align="center">We also had one recall they addressed. It had to do with adding a fuse to the front and rear clearance lights.</p> <p align="center">And, with that, we were in and out of the service center.</p> <p align="center"> In order to finish our list, we extended our stay at the campground for a couple of days. So, yesterday, it was back to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YrFjAe-qRM4/U-LFI4NJZDI/AAAAAAAAS9k/Tt-yWIykU-0/s1600-h/DSC_3962%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3962" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3962" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZHeXjPUA4tI/U-LFJx8s12I/AAAAAAAAS9s/N9lJA2YeSzQ/DSC_3962_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">Simmons Tires where six new tires were waiting</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_vpV_PaTGOU/U-LFK6pAaKI/AAAAAAAAS90/JZA_7wQODZA/s1600-h/DSC_3964%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3964" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3964" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nxoKziv4toM/U-LFLz3bBII/AAAAAAAAS98/khfjJyQH0KA/DSC_3964_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">just for us!</p> <p align="center">Mike Simmons and his techs were great. We used the Michelin Program through FMCA. It worked great, easy sign up, and a fair discount.</p> <p align="center">While we were getting the new tires, Mark and the tech were discussing the wheels and how they needed to be cleaned. He told us about a product that we could buy at Tri County Trucks, a local business in Muscle Sholes. He told Mark it was really easy to use and no buffer needed!</p> <p align="center">So, you already know, our next stop was Tri County! The product is </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aR8KJh6JsZk/U-LFM8kKP_I/AAAAAAAAS-E/W4EyvkJz3KU/s1600-h/DSC_3972%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3972" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3972" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-999O_2Oyfq0/U-LFNy4Q2nI/AAAAAAAAS-M/t06D_-gSo3I/DSC_3972_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">Purple Metal Polish.</p> <p align="center">Of course, as soon as we returned to the campground,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YpzF86E9gBc/U-LFO_w4-aI/AAAAAAAAS-U/NHRm0D9KYfE/s1600-h/DSC_3976%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3976" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3976" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e9DFVgnHmQk/U-LFP2tZ22I/AAAAAAAAS-c/PKV2LngqShk/DSC_3976_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">Mark had to give it a try.</p> <p align="center">I would say he has found</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C3g_0quRmEc/U-LFQjOVLOI/AAAAAAAAS-k/JF7anpVs-sk/s1600-h/DSC_3975%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3975" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3975" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9XY5ZMV0m1Q/U-LFSM3r3uI/AAAAAAAAS-s/2Ke86u7Ec9Y/DSC_3975_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">a new pass time!</p> <p align="center"> By the way, the label warns that this product could be addictive...so I am guessing we will have the shiniest wheels on the road!</p> <p align="center">August 6, 2014</p> <p align="center">This morning, we were up early, and ready to address the last item on the list. While, I dealt with the laundry, Mark headed to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ViW_lXHAxV8/U-LFTDfOXPI/AAAAAAAAS-0/xTsmliSEWJ0/s1600-h/DSC_3978%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3978" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3978" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ak0S-ioBfTQ/U-LFTwykbNI/AAAAAAAAS-8/IbxbHCA7nk8/DSC_3978_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">Bay Diesel for our 50,000 mile check up. Even with all sorts of oil changes, filters, lubes, new air dryer, a check of the air ride, and who know what else, we were still in and out by noon.</p> <p align="center">Wow, this has been a really big and pricey stop in Red Bay. But, keeping the motor home up and running in good condition is no more than keeping a sticks and bricks house operating. Some necessary and some preventative, but, it's all done!</p> <p align="center"> I know we all often fuss about the things that go wrong with them, but, while in Red Bay, we counted our blessings for the things that didn't go wrong. And, you will too...</p> <p align="center">This</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wMf1cDmNYlg/U-LFU_MtKrI/AAAAAAAAS_E/vYehyrSnmFs/s1600-h/DSC_3918%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3918" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3918" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7XwbchhT2nA/U-LFV3GW2RI/AAAAAAAAS_M/J5UE-XwKIb0/DSC_3918_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">motor home in need of much TLC. And, it made me almost cry because all of this damage was due to a wrecker driver that didn't know what he was doing!</p> <p align="center">So, remember, to count your blessing when you have to fix the little things or have the next routine maintenance done on your rig!</p> <p align="center">We are looking forward to the adventures the next 50,000 miles will bring us. But, after 125 days and almost 12,000 miles, we are heading our motor home West for some much needed family time.</p> <p align="center">See you soon from Texas!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-57488873657752063382014-08-01T21:56:00.001-05:002014-08-01T22:02:41.698-05:00Tuned In and Level...<p align="center">August 1, 2014</p> <p align="center">One of the items on our service list was to check out the roof mounted TV antenna. Even though, we primarily watch Direct TV, it is nice to be able to switch to the TV and catch the local news and weather wherever we are. We have been having trouble for awhile getting it to work properly...just wouldn't tune in for some reason! After finding out they no longer use the one we have, we decided to purchase a new redesigned one. And, </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ekcUnuwvquE/U9xTMzPInmI/AAAAAAAAS6c/Xc26O9AZ8Xc/s1600-h/DSC_3932%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3932" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3932" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oec1T3FnHV0/U9xTOM-WLEI/AAAAAAAAS6k/xX_DJiL_Il0/DSC_3932_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">have one of the techs came to our campsite to install it.</p> <p align="center">Yeah...no more </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_xg26TOx1Z8/U9xTPFwsN_I/AAAAAAAAS6s/9kIDIAapzW8/s1600-h/DSC_3934%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3934" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3934" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jak12U3VXXg/U9xTPykN_mI/AAAAAAAAS60/vLcjzeS_6io/DSC_3934_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="444"></a></p> <p align="center">controller hooked to a wire that never seemed to be accurate enough to dial in a good signal. The new one is operated by a wireless remote...works perfect.</p> <p align="center">Today, we also got a call to come</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FkqvzVzM8hU/U9xTQ4KpBbI/AAAAAAAAS68/_wN4_6APFA4/s1600-h/DSC_3941%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3941" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3941" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CpjYMfnE9EA/U9xTRpXhl_I/AAAAAAAAS7E/bSlEWmgAtjc/DSC_3941_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center"> to the service bay where they installed our new jacks.</p> <p align="center">If you remember, a few months ago, while we were in Montana, we had the jack that wouldn't retract and Mark and Wallace took it off.</p> <p align="center"> And, even though we made it all the way to Alaska and back without the jacks,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fCesY-8z_QM/U9xTSe1Z-rI/AAAAAAAAS7M/skOe-S14HKw/s1600-h/DSC_3944%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3944" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3944" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9oGOFqCCrLE/U9xTTte5syI/AAAAAAAAS7U/CBZQNnGLn2M/DSC_3944_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center"> it is nice to too know level is just a few hours away.</p> <p align="center">And, like the newly designed antenna, we learned there is a new jack system. After having to have several jacks replaced over the last few years, it was a no brainer for us to get the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KbtXL-jzjY8/U9xTUV2LJoI/AAAAAAAAS7c/WBYsHDQurIA/s1600-h/DSC_3948%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3948" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3948" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YDuwRI5OkTg/U9xTVE9btmI/AAAAAAAAS7k/y_ME5MwrtJ0/DSC_3948_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">newest jack system installed.</p> <p align="center"> Although it uses</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yUNBPsFpREE/U9xTVxdmeWI/AAAAAAAAS7s/62eobL5h4sQ/s1600-h/DSC_3949%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3949" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3949" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zSjLLSDJEsE/U9xTWrwCBzI/AAAAAAAAS70/b9A9FKyt10U/DSC_3949_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="299" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">the same style and size jacks, it comes with</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--n_SAvb7MJ8/U9xTXXWoQZI/AAAAAAAAS78/2baPH-Kqm28/s1600-h/DSC_3951%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3951" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3951" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k-qZSjMI3kA/U9xTYY9POFI/AAAAAAAAS8E/MkGiq9XXFHw/DSC_3951_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">a new wiring system that communicates with a new control system. </p> <p align="center">Now, while I am not too sure what those wires are telling that controller, I do know this...</p> <p align="center">we now have</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f-v4yZpF_Co/U9xTZZHzO4I/AAAAAAAAS8M/Kr2pik9EUoc/s1600-h/DSC_3931%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3931" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3931" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H96BEMGM2qc/U9xTaW9w1-I/AAAAAAAAS8U/4LlvHcOgHMA/DSC_3931_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">four jacks, they are all on the ground, all the slides are out, and we are level!</p> <p align="center">Another good day...tuned in and level in Red Bay!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-69257498022196858702014-07-31T20:43:00.001-05:002014-07-31T20:55:46.780-05:00Adventures Continue...<p align="center">July 29, 2014</p> <p align="center">We left Illinois in the rearview mirror and headed South...on to the next adventure. We originally planned a stop in St. Louis, but, when we got there, it just didn't appeal to either of us. I think we were both ready to get to the business at hand, so, we drove on. And, some 500 miles down the road, we pulled into</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N49MPTk8QyU/U9rwT6dwPjI/AAAAAAAAS3E/jklqcrBrF4g/s1600-h/DSC_3927%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3927" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3927" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qD5-Ez89QGkRj63Y6nN-ZBoU8vVT3os5p-ScSSDgvJMGpLrL4AhNB7zKSTyRWt2-9oKpo27AHObHEXYpUBaaLkTfO1TID1XtrkSzKHOL6nKecjDXTmCoPpg9kx-9-WufM7clWP-l9vKn/?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">Camp Red Bay!</p> <p align="center">It was early evening when we reached our destination. However, sixteen rigs had already arrived today, and the service center campground was full. Art, the campground host told us it could be a couple of days before he had a site for us. We decided to go to the new Downtown RV Park, located behind the post office. It is just a paved lot, but has full hook ups and shade trees! And, since the days are warm, we decided to opt for the full hookups.</p> <p align="center">After a good, but, long day, it was nice to be parked...even in Red Bay!</p> <p align="center">July 30, 2014</p> <p align="center">This morning, we were up early, and ready to make a plan. We turned in our paperwork at the service center and now starts the wait. So, while we wait for Norris, the service writer, to come visit, Mark headed to the body shop to consult with</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZqJ0qDLMuP8/U9rwWefCm-I/AAAAAAAAS3U/kfY_nl5TLTI/s1600-h/DSC_3902%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3902" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3902" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IzRyJvcHBuc/U9rwXf2eL1I/AAAAAAAAS3c/TMiqA1UmA-U/DSC_3902_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">Bruce Deaton regarding what we call</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WT-_ZBEu4lQ/U9rwYCirfVI/AAAAAAAAS3k/a4uySwMlH0Q/s1600-h/DSC_3903%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3903" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3903" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5-aVh27EOc4/U9rwZKEX_iI/AAAAAAAAS3s/OTnstHM5rnM/DSC_3903_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center"> the Whitehorse Boo Boo...aka...the green metal barrel that jumped out and grabbed us!</p> <p align="center">When the Gorilla Tape Band-Aid came off and after the damage was assessed,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aQzs-Ejku7o/U9rwaEOB3SI/AAAAAAAAS30/DtBPOdTwIaA/s1600-h/DSC_3910%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3910" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3910" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6DcpQwZet7g/U9rwbFrIn4I/AAAAAAAAS34/maIduRH2dwg/DSC_3910_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">one fender and three compartment doors are being</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qnpnlFkTdgk/U9rwb7rjhaI/AAAAAAAAS4E/zce0v9TLvPc/s1600-h/DSC_3911%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3911" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3911" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6J8iXItnFUc/U9rwczeuAaI/AAAAAAAAS4M/L7P9B-z3-xQ/DSC_3911_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">repaired or replaced.</p> <p align="center">And, the Teslin Bridge Boo Boo, better known as the flat tire, required</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WlHCUynMLk0/U9rwds1HVFI/AAAAAAAAS4U/x_ohuJbGtAw/s1600-h/DSC_3913%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3913" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3913" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgIUsMb-wnk7tv7x3UNb6xiUy4SZ9DXQzMGmyLMWJYQGSBpHG2PI5p2Ec55fbgvr8KUq4crj4hg7Ji6WFWxHdLuvKKnFWOo9ew4KVF_uDWArpAGUc0uGlXAu_rMWi2IIYLmmhLZvKqHb5/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165"></a> </p> <p align="center">a little TLC to the compartment door on the passenger side.</p> <p align="center">Bruce assured us he would take care of us, so</p> <p align="center">while the motor home was in his care, we headed out for</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3-lKmByfSmw/U9rwfpvtXxI/AAAAAAAAS4k/8x5TD07zi5w/s1600-h/DSC_3908%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3908" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3908" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lrcEBGX-Cfo/U9rwgR6qioI/AAAAAAAAS4s/_TUeiHpwDyQ/DSC_3908_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">breakfast at Jack's.</p> <p align="center"> After breakfast, Norris caught up with us at the body shop to go over our service list, which then left us free for the rest of the day. I headed off to get a haircut, while Mark made a trip to the service center to make arrangements about how we were going to handle the broken jack.</p> <p align="center">By late afternoon, Bruce had the body work done, the doors primed and back on the coach. Art called and had</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aqbRANJj_k8/U9rwg2tyapI/AAAAAAAAS40/YQt63LAvNIY/s1600-h/DSC_3928%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3928" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3928" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r7kcQKlxEhE/U9rwh97rePI/AAAAAAAAS48/73E0jV7Nlz8/DSC_3928_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">an available site at the service center...so here is home for the next week or so!</p> <p align="center">July 31, 2014</p> <p align="center">This morning came very early. Bruce wanted us back to the paint shop by</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aKBbnRFLjm4/U9rwiUHE5JI/AAAAAAAAS5E/ROC4Cgst7Y4/s1600-h/DSC_3914%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3914" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3914" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HjuEHHZ6VbY/U9rwjHqusuI/AAAAAAAAS5M/UvcsPdqoDsk/DSC_3914_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">6:00 a.m. The only light of day came from inside the bay! Once again, we left the coach with them and headed to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ebb9W_qQgQA/U9rwkD6iTrI/AAAAAAAAS5U/EKndPzZ7MVc/s1600-h/DSC_3915%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3915" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3915" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hwvwp1lKF5g/U9rwlMfRmfI/AAAAAAAAS5c/Rupc2FGsPMY/DSC_3915_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">breakfast...one of Mark's favorite places!</p> <p align="center">On our way back into town, we stopped and shopped at Fred's and The Dollar Store. By the time we returned to the body shop,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VecRhnDqBtU/U9rwl023LZI/AAAAAAAAS5k/zSwjKWbGRfc/s1600-h/DSC_3917%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3917" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3917" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0fnws7iLU20/U9rwm3FAgxI/AAAAAAAAS5s/qVAKWU69M4I/DSC_3917_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">the painting was well under way. And, by early afternoon,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V57Z4BEEUgw/U9rwnkUMJvI/AAAAAAAAS50/IM58QVdUfEo/s1600-h/DSC_3920%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3920" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3920" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nbVOhghbObo/U9rwoW8q0HI/AAAAAAAAS58/deGQ_CeS7Bs/DSC_3920_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">all the boo boos were just a thing of the past!</p> <p align="center"> Now, we can start working on the rest of the list.</p> <p align="center">Tonight, we enjoyed dinner at</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JUdqcFkHF_8/U9rwpUT8fII/AAAAAAAAS6E/vA68ukx42Vw/s1600-h/DSC_3935%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3935" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3935" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xPSu-Rmg28I/U9rwqX_hNeI/AAAAAAAAS6M/0LCd87I7SMI/DSC_3935_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">Costa Oaxaquena, a new to us Mexican Food Restaurant in Belmont.</p> <p align="center">Excellent food, a great way to end a day in Red Bay.</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-57454500486274500172014-07-30T18:50:00.001-05:002014-07-30T19:14:58.056-05:00Retama Friends...<p align="center">July 22, 2014...continues</p> <p align="center">This morning, after parting ways with our Alaska travelers, Mark and I headed towards Minnesota to continue our summer adventure.</p> <p align="center"> We arrived at the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GwOR5bhX_Qg/U9mDchaTFCI/AAAAAAAASuM/weIPD5e3IUo/s1600-h/DSC_01630013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0163-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0163-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XhUIVgJ124A/U9mDdorsTlI/AAAAAAAASuU/81OFQ7KrXEw/DSC_0163001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Dakotah Meadows RV Park, located at Mystic Lake Casino near Savage, Minnesota.</p> <p align="center">I have to admit, it was really nice to have a concrete pad and green grass at your doorstep. I did however, keep my eyes open for a moose!</p> <p align="center">July 23, 2014</p> <p align="center">After a good night's sleep and with no early morning travel plan, it was time for</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-naE8zl8EeXM/U9mDeWvl3_I/AAAAAAAASuc/zHZlXkGQtos/s1600-h/DSC_01660013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0166-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0166-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J0-gzaj3Vqc/U9mDfJeRgOI/AAAAAAAASuk/ySaOjKSkUnc/DSC_0166001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">a much needed hot bath!</p> <p align="center"> Although this was not our main reason for stopping here...it was really nice to have this wash bay at the campground to get one more layer of Alaska dirt washed away.</p> <p align="center">But, our real reason for continuing our adventure through Minnesota was to catch up with Bob and Kathy Barnett, and Niles and Sue Deden, our Retama friends.</p> <p align="center"> However, when we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to find Laura and Bill Disbow, also Retama friends and neighbors, parked just down the road from us at the campground. We got to visit with them just briefly, as they were leaving to continue their travels on to North Dakota. We also, found that Eddie and Mary Catherine Sligh were passing through for an overnight stay on their way to the FMCA Rally in Oregon. What fun...more friends!</p> <p align="center">This evening, Bob and Kathy invited us to their</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q7wea_jeIfA/U9mDgM0TzsI/AAAAAAAASus/aUn6rcWNpug/s1600-h/KathysHouse3.jpg"><img title="Kathy's House" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Kathy's House" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RlbzDXtNPlo/U9mDhV-WevI/AAAAAAAASu0/muFesAwiMeE/KathysHouse_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></a> </p> <p align="center">home in Savage. We shared a wonderful dinner while enjoying their</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VEgmH0244BQ/U9mDiYP_sfI/AAAAAAAASu8/9HsRlBQRhnU/s1600-h/DSC_01670013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0167-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0167-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cDCA_DSEtQM/U9mDjI1CAkI/AAAAAAAASvE/WkMkn7mtrsw/DSC_0167001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful back yard.</p> <p align="center">Thanks,</p> <p align="center"><img alt="Mary Catherine Sligh's photo." src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t1.0-9/p526x296/1969415_692794384146265_2384834031114217942_n.jpg" width="440" height="333"></p> <p align="center">Kathy and Bob, for a great evening.</p> <p align="center">July 24, 2014</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Thursday came, and, it was time for us to move on. Our travels today took us away from the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a9QOpdRPlTg/U9mDkB72SGI/AAAAAAAASvM/c8Sz_cYJq-4/s1600-h/DSC_01520013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0152-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0152-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6Fg88WRWppU/U9mDlJPMkGI/AAAAAAAASvU/cvB8ZlhQ6ZQ/DSC_0152001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">busy city life. We traveled over the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VBLmCT_GY8Y/U9mDmESTS0I/AAAAAAAASvc/om92uv6AkNc/s1600-h/DSC_01990013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0199-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0199-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9Gm4_on02pw/U9mDnFCXhnI/AAAAAAAASvk/ni1Vwn88I64/DSC_0199001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"> country roads and through</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-31PkFzvGkDw/U9mDoHfu-DI/AAAAAAAASvs/vqKcW1RkPik/s1600-h/DSC_02050013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0205-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0205-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aBSm3VzrSsE/U9mDpH5s8ZI/AAAAAAAASv0/h2qFnq_yDhs/DSC_0205001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">miles and miles of roads lines with corn fields and soy beans.</p> <p align="center">Then, some 50 miles down the road, we reached the beautiful little town of</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GWSVOC7O_vw/U9mDqNkYz9I/AAAAAAAASv8/U6iKBqi9EhY/s1600-h/DSC_02360013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0236-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0236-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_9jCb0PXktA/U9mDsK2m5tI/AAAAAAAASwE/YvjdMNbDfNU/DSC_0236001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Red Wing, where Niles and Sue call home.</p> <p align="center"> Well, actually, they live several miles out of Red Wing on the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NuTM33zgwbM/U9mDtXyIkOI/AAAAAAAASwM/UEBc9djBT6Y/s1600-h/DSC_02740016.jpg"><img title="DSC_0274-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0274-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-acDwXqcXHqI/U9mDukG2AWI/AAAAAAAASwU/qXuofEzVynE/DSC_0274001_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">farmland that has been called home to the Deden family for several generations.</p> <p align="center"> And, while this home sets high on the bluff, we parked the motor home at the shed some two miles</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bru2E4VjL2Q/U9mDvbuQ3pI/AAAAAAAASwc/9_XQ9T5JQI8/s1600-h/DSC_03520013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0352-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0352-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j2r-WZeTSsE/U9mDwYvbSuI/AAAAAAAASwk/OOBxOJrj79w/DSC_0352001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">in the valley below.</p> <p align="center">From here we could see</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5faZTZ6Ifgs/U9mDxf-7AEI/AAAAAAAASws/eFHtUrY053w/s1600-h/DSC_03540014.jpg"><img title="DSC_0354-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0354-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QB_KsEWYk04/U9mDymtFvcI/AAAAAAAASww/_O15YRBFZ8U/DSC_0354001_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="295"></a> </p> <p align="center">the childhood home of Nile's mom.</p> <p align="center">We made ourselves at home, and then headed out to see the town. Back in Red Wing, we made a stop at the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XFMDbiOAMD4/U9mDz-aLC7I/AAAAAAAASw8/YoDJoJG0gOg/s1600-h/DSC_02231.jpg"><img title="DSC_0223" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0223" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OrLICJBe5Xo/U9mD1-hWQwI/AAAAAAAASxE/qpnghQqNxhk/DSC_0223_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">at the home and museum of Red Wings shoes.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--RjwfunVJC0/U9mD5GzF2yI/AAAAAAAASxM/dgo3y4QJ0KM/s1600-h/DSC_0230001%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0230-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0230-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M-j4KbBc0NA/U9mD6EPbc9I/AAAAAAAASxU/01sUpo-7tho/DSC_0230001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">This machine is still used today to make the famous 3 stitch that is on all Red Wing shoes.</p> <p align="center">The guys had a great afternoon of</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a1gBDS_o5PM/U9mD7Nyt7vI/AAAAAAAASxc/m4ytwKPFGrc/s1600-h/DSC_02310015.jpg"><img title="DSC_0231-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0231-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tZdxnmebiFg/U9mD7-kh2NI/AAAAAAAASxk/Mv9Nm9yKYiw/DSC_0231001_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">shoe shopping and even stopped for a photo opt by the world's largest boot...size 638 1/2 D. It is 16 feet tall and 7 feet wide. It stands on the first floor, but reaches the second floor where the museum is located.</p> <p align="center">We also took a drive down to the Mississippi River riverfront and the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WW2rGxiaJkU/U9mD8rTLTPI/AAAAAAAASxs/2i5MMO_wIXA/s1600-h/DSC_02170013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0217-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0217-001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sncrsorp8FAU0iYs2Klp4rjhezPjbOzZsXZ2vSKjyDdtYJPALdR9MQL4eBCuv0sDwTzxhinND8cj2iCmPkykY3eYGrLHngLVHpJJdSOlpIlX00NuldHZ-AJBT0aS19ptHNQ9rl6rxP7L/?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">boat village. Our drive then took us to the top of the bluff overlooking</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D8yA3HRRrkU/U9mD-nefg6I/AAAAAAAASx8/_tHtu5h0MMw/s1600-h/DSC_02330013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0233-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0233-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uiMa0FGYZdY/U9mEAeAWlJI/AAAAAAAASyE/pKccCCyG9Dg/DSC_0233001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">town and the bridge that leads to Wisconsin.</p> <p align="center">July 25, 2014</p> <p align="center">We were up early this morning, and ready to head out for another day of sightseeing. </p> <p align="center"> Today,our drive took us around</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vnpnVtVR5aA/U9mECNxYHKI/AAAAAAAASyM/7SEefPTPdYY/s1600-h/DSC_02710013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0271-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0271-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HI6mcw_yaeA/U9mEDPTgShI/AAAAAAAASyU/gRI1gCliYO8/DSC_0271001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Lake Pepin, which is a very wide place in the Mississippi River.</p> <p align="center">We also, traveled across to the Wisconsin side of the river. We drove to the top of the bluff high above the little town of</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YtNrK5_tlms/U9mEDxXYAjI/AAAAAAAASyc/hLc4CGZUllU/s1600-h/DSC_02570013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0257-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0257-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-roZ0m-jCGzo/U9mEFLFjTUI/AAAAAAAASyk/gayZch_2t2U/DSC_0257001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"> Alma, Wisconsin.</p> <p align="center">What a beautiful view!</p> <p align="center">From here we also watched as some small boats</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-12iQRWvO4x4/U9mEGEDqoEI/AAAAAAAASys/F68NdA2RWA4/s1600-h/DSC_02530013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0253-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0253-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fYabTUCc2FQ/U9mEG2cR5CI/AAAAAAAASy0/YYfC7Cf0XP8/DSC_0253001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">entered the lock, as they make their way up river.</p> <p align="center">Time for lunch...and what a great place...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kb_pJXQvnqI/U9mEH0RaZnI/AAAAAAAASy8/iX-f0Hzb2RE/s1600-h/DSC_02700013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0270-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0270-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QY6IE2fOMGQ/U9mEIqdxfkI/AAAAAAAASzE/niDyauhvATQ/DSC_0270001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">The Nelson Creamery, Nelson, Wisconsin. We had deli sandwiches, soup, and of course, who can go to a creamery without having ice cream.</p> <p align="center"> And, oh, yes, we also</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9-MfRMIhrFg/U9mEJV1oPrI/AAAAAAAASzM/P57zQvE4cyE/s1600-h/DSC_02690013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0269-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0269-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yn8q6nPGnEM/U9mEKnHHwQI/AAAAAAAASzU/8s44e0KtGkM/DSC_0269001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">purchased several kinds of cheese!</p> <p align="center">Another great day in our ongoing summer adventure.</p> <p align="center">July 26, 2014</p> <p align="center">Today, we off for a real country adventure in Meisville, Minnesota at the annual</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Iq09Dq-GzL0/U9mEL1K7nqI/AAAAAAAASzc/44-wYrGaOjA/s1600-h/DSC_0302-001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0302-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0302-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PdHnxk6Q9oQ/U9mEM_AWrEI/AAAAAAAASzk/5bRqiVtDfbc/DSC_0302-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Little Log Cabin Village festival.</p> <p align="center">Bob and Kathy drove over to meet us for the day. Also, we had a added treat, Ken Stadt, another Retama friend, meet us for breakfast.</p> <p align="center">After breakfast, and while the guys were off looking at guy stuff, the girls enjoyed the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CJq57LxvUOY/U9mEN1Bnt6I/AAAAAAAASzs/3xOJQx7NFSA/s1600-h/DSC_02910013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0291-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0291-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FNWag50FYsA/U9mEO3_a8JI/AAAAAAAASz0/Z-nmVrBtUCo/DSC_0291001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">beautiful flower gardens. We also watched the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_2g28zi-KNY/U9mEPmRE0OI/AAAAAAAASz8/NNaE1GzMtUQ/s1600-h/DSC_0287-001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0287-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0287-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2vkdY_agUFI/U9mEQZKfF5I/AAAAAAAAS0A/JoQq6yEvn2M/DSC_0287-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">local blacksmith at work. And,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YaxYcnRJzak/U9mERYPNC0I/AAAAAAAAS0M/hr1FBZslrvE/s1600-h/DSC_0286-001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0286-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0286-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p4528CAT2gQ/U9mEScV-IsI/AAAAAAAAS0U/w1HwuvooQa4/DSC_0286-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Kathy and Sue showed off their strength!</p> <p align="center">There was the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-73MBNPoxj60/U9mEUJ4L7WI/AAAAAAAAS0c/UTBIQMSeQoc/s1600-h/DSC_0283-001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0283-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0283-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0sfxCqxNt9o/U9mEWsiDsoI/AAAAAAAAS0k/Gjwj2Y_YEpc/DSC_0283-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">one room school house,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Oo4lnTqqDbA/U9mEXl8K6jI/AAAAAAAAS0s/cYi3RYCdNmk/s1600-h/DSC_0316-001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0316-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0316-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XnVEZZhicbM/U9mEZJE_RgI/AAAAAAAAS00/imsN7b-qmYI/DSC_0316-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">quilt store, and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T_vybqXNIJs/U9mEZ2ZH5bI/AAAAAAAAS08/dLlX-W_XF-w/s1600-h/DSC_0324-001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0324-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0324-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f3HbFoLBe88/U9mEa9SEZAI/AAAAAAAAS1E/SqhP6B75p_M/DSC_0324-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">old barn.</p> <p align="center">Soon, it was time to meet the guys for the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1mL8EyWCBp8/U9mEcLKV3bI/AAAAAAAAS1M/_GrooLCzrrA/s1600-h/DSC_0342-001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0342-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0342-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yi2h9D5DIpY/U9mEdPPpOQI/AAAAAAAAS1U/6__448CTRzw/DSC_0342-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">antique tractor parade.</p> <p align="center">What a fun day in rural Minnesota. And, what an awesome weekend with</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q98vonjOU8Y/U9mEd26hvGI/AAAAAAAAS1c/fxnI9__Yx-k/s1600-h/DSC_0236-001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0236-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0236-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y6t-5ywtYe0/U9mEfPUXi5I/AAAAAAAAS1k/rd3oIaOuDMc/DSC_0236-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Niles and Sue. Thanks for sharing with us!</p> <p align="center">July 26, 2014</p> <p align="center">Once again, it is time for us to move on. Today, our journey will take us into Illinois, to visit with Bruce and Linda Hall, more Retama friends.</p> <p align="center">We enjoyed the beautiful</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LzDAwoaIsIw/U9mEgrwAHUI/AAAAAAAAS1s/uHKgife3pqQ/s1600-h/DSC_0356-002%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0356-002[1]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0356-002[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bkmcy9-kLn8/U9mEhclEp8I/AAAAAAAAS10/5HXslabHtvc/DSC_0356-002%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">farmlands all the way from Minnesota to Illinois.</p> <p align="center">We crossed the Mississippi one more time and headed down one more</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4V4zczXC3cA/U9mEiAzYxSI/AAAAAAAAS18/wBFBUP1Flk0/s1600-h/DSC_0383-002%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0383-002[1]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0383-002[1]" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pQuRj85VgNY/U9mEi5qfbpI/AAAAAAAAS2E/KRS-T5Dxg-k/DSC_0383-002%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">country road. This one led us to the outskirts of</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bvUEVRrV09U/U9mEkTnxbwI/AAAAAAAAS2M/uVHm8Ek3hkk/s1600-h/DSC_0384-002%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0384-002[1]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0384-002[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KJz6q5Vli4c/U9mElYIaCGI/AAAAAAAAS2U/i967lvT9QkQ/DSC_0384-002%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="329"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">the little town of Aledo, Illinois, where we found Bruce and Linda waiting for us. They escorted us on to our</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kfnck_rnNaA/U9mEmlUqo4I/AAAAAAAAS2c/Og7w4gEx6nA/s1600-h/DSC_0389-002%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0389-002[1]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0389-002[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z_DTvaBIPYI/U9mEnxpx-XI/AAAAAAAAS2k/ulr9qFjL4uM/DSC_0389-002%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">RV site and home for a couple of days...which is a lot they own just a couple of blocks from their home.</p> <p align="center">Bummer...something happened to my camera card and my pictures didn't come through. So, you are just going to have to take my word, that we had a great visit and dinner at their beautiful home in town.</p> <p align="center">July 28, 2014</p> <p align="center">Today, we drove to Linda's hometown of Roseville. We enjoyed lunch and a tour of town. After, a long scheduled dental appointment for Bruce and Linda, we headed back to Aledo and on to the river. We had a fun evening at the local casino where we enjoyed dinner and played a few pennies and quarters. Linda was a real winner!</p> <p align="center">Tomorrow will be a travel day for us, so, after a fun day and evening, we had to say our good-byes to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rnEvrD0e0Q4/U9mEo55IqfI/AAAAAAAAS2s/iSzrmFR_g1o/s1600-h/DSC_0392-002%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0392-002[1]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0392-002[1]" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h0H2yn4lIzY/U9mEqDjciHI/AAAAAAAAS20/sY4mh2KRoHw/DSC_0392-002%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Bruce and Linda. Thanks guys we had a really great time!</p> <p align="center">We have enjoyed this last week, visiting with friends that have all become like family to us. We hated for our stays to be short, but, it is time for us turn this motor home South...for yet another summer adventure.</p> <p align="center">Again, thanks to each of you for sharing your towns, your homes, and your time with us. See you in the fall on Lark Drive!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-34585953053775160612014-07-22T17:42:00.000-05:002014-07-22T17:42:12.978-05:00The Adventure Continues...<div align="center">
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We are adjusting to being back in the lower 48. We realize that it really is summer. We don't have to have jacket as part of the dress code for the day, that are still lots of folks on vacation, and we have to have reservations at RV Parks.<br />
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And as our adventure continues, Bob, Molly, Rich, and Mary are still hanging in with us.<br />
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July 19, 2014<br />
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After taking a deep breath from our five days on the road, we are looking for a couple of laid back days, and an RV Park with power. Someone turned up the heat!<br />
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So, we think, Wolf Point, Montana and<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--RjKKSkSl70/U87JmYnXOhI/AAAAAAAASnk/hABIL0yFmHQ/s1600-h/DSC_10124.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1012" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RvGoRzKxSsI/U87Jn8TzDqI/AAAAAAAASns/Kusa642h4bs/DSC_1012_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" height="313" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_1012" width="444" /></a><br />
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Homestead RV Park, formerly the Ranchero RV Park, might be just what we need.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pdSxcTjY3pQ/U87Jotp_i9I/AAAAAAAASn0/1G7XyXN3yNI/s1600-h/DSC_10103.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1010" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8ABGkPluRd0/U87JqKf9zVI/AAAAAAAASn8/or3o2ZYjAg0/DSC_1010_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="DSC_1010" width="444" /></a> </div>
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Jigs, the Indian man that owns the park, kept us well entertained. He met us outside, to confirm we were the ones that had called for reservations... we confirmed!<br />
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You, the red one, park this way...you the big one, you go this way. And, Jigs kept calling Rich part Indian, because he had to circle three times before getting into his spot.<br />
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Nice to meet you Jigs...you were great and so was our stay!<br />
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July 20, 2014<br />
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After a good night's rest, it was time to roll on over<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_n6Dshrr14U/U87JrMlOZsI/AAAAAAAASoE/e8q5DeZMb0U/s1600-h/DSC_1021%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1021" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Byqm1m8jYlo/U87JsMH3SBI/AAAAAAAASoM/q7XZCOvfcl4/DSC_1021_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_1021" width="444" /></a> <br />
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the back roads of Montana and on towards<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GcJXw_THwcY/U87JtNaqqWI/AAAAAAAASoU/KRarOC_LKh8/s1600-h/DSC_1031%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1031" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h7WGjpgX6xQ/U87JuOmJMhI/AAAAAAAASoc/EIGrv6texa8/DSC_1031_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_1031" width="444" /></a> <br />
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North Dakota.<br />
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Yes, finally, after all these years of traveling, we are adding this state to our map! It is one of the last few for us to mark off the list.<br />
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By noon, we arrived at the<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PQeUGbDAGtA/U87JvYGEpGI/AAAAAAAASok/WhJ4409wUlk/s1600-h/DSC_1058%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1058" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cTxuFE25kB8/U87JwyTKSoI/AAAAAAAASos/sOLj4Dj4EXc/DSC_1058_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_1058" width="444" /></a> <br />
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Red Trail Campground in Medora. This is where we will call<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3C1LyQ2g9ls/U87JxjcV08I/AAAAAAAASo0/McOmw5xmrBg/s1600-h/DSC_1060%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1060" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XzmtzvLhg9M/U87JyrV4gKI/AAAAAAAASo8/sAvCXp_PmdM/DSC_1060_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_1060" width="444" /></a> <br />
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home for a couple of days...nice folks and nice campground...even if we were parked right under the cottonwood tree!<br />
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We had a leisure afternoon and evening, sitting outside, visiting, and making plans for our next adventure.<br />
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July 21, 2014<br />
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Today, will be our last day to spend with friends. So might as well do it right! We started it off with<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FBKuE-f7er8/U87JzY8-5fI/AAAAAAAASpE/T1GeQkamT7U/s1600-h/DSC_1056%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1056" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BJl-xlzbkgQ/U87J0gu4MMI/AAAAAAAASpM/FVwVygkyks4/DSC_1056_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_1056" width="444" /></a> <br />
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a special breakfast of biscuits and gravy, eggs, and grits.<br />
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And, Mary, made it very special by making one her famous<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J29k36FcT30/U87J1qfTz2I/AAAAAAAASpU/X9-0QqOo9bg/s1600-h/DSC_1057%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1057" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7Dl9fXWZToE/U87J2qV69jI/AAAAAAAASpc/c7armpw9Am0/DSC_1057_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_1057" width="444" /></a> <br />
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apple pancakes. What a treat!<br />
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By mid-morning, we loaded up and headed out<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fnA4940u2OU/U87J3VbTX1I/AAAAAAAASpk/LqHfKM6eVUY/s1600-h/DSC_0010-001%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0010-001" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i1wEK54IuDM/U87J4g7v9GI/AAAAAAAASps/4-ChT-aiY08/DSC_0010-001_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0010-001" width="444" /></a><br />
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for a drive through the south unit of the Roosevelt National Park...a 36 mile loop.<br />
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In the mist of<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RrNm-EZMFtY/U87J5gcQSpI/AAAAAAAASp0/g94pVqObXZg/s1600-h/DSC_0009-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0009-001" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iHG2uv5L6W8/U87J6u_FW7I/AAAAAAAASp8/ZB1Whp_bUZo/DSC_0009-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0009-001" width="444" /></a><br />
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construction...our favorite pass time... we<br />
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did find<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VQA6KteMMi8/U87J7mgNXiI/AAAAAAAASqE/rNscUIw0ySw/s1600-h/DSC_0004-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0004-001" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1FueSBzsJ9g/U87J8fh2LdI/AAAAAAAASqM/IW87W0U_bq4/DSC_0004-001_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="295" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0004-001" width="444" /></a> <br />
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a big bison, minding his own business and enjoying his mid-morning snack.<br />
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And, other than some little<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9tYbIzIJ0H0/U87J9zIGlmI/AAAAAAAASqU/Q4U4wtDW22I/s1600-h/DSC_0008-001%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0008-001" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZCij1YfdCi8/U87J-owJM9I/AAAAAAAASqc/wsVkynm81Ec/DSC_0008-001_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0008-001" width="444" /></a><br />
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prairie dogs, a few<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lK_5568vIEc/U87J_pzdWHI/AAAAAAAASqk/Ik3Nt4ET374/s1600-h/DSC_0001-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0001-001" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ib90AVYhNF0/U87KAZFyZ5I/AAAAAAAASqs/-i521P9JV8w/DSC_0001-001_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="295" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0001-001" width="444" /></a> <br />
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wild horses, and an occasional<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3SR59yWDmLY/U87KBrFoSKI/AAAAAAAASq0/hjECMZH65fQ/s1600-h/DSC_0006-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0006-001" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9qySXkqGR4M/U87KCd47KXI/AAAAAAAASq8/wHurJdpNlPo/DSC_0006-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0006-001" width="444" /></a><br />
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overlook, we were done with the park.<br />
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Oh, there were lots of places to hike, but,<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AzE-cFH-TVk/U87KDGa8FNI/AAAAAAAASrE/ipxYJ_Ri4mo/s1600-h/DSC_1070%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1070" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-P5Ssh75-Les/U87KD-YvK3I/AAAAAAAASrM/vViXL0hhdL4/DSC_1070_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_1070" width="444" /></a> <br />
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these three vetoed any idea that involved hiking!<br />
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The park is truly a unique<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g57m3D5Hzb0/U87KE9JaKvI/AAAAAAAASrU/_ZWPeDIh9S8/s1600-h/DSC_1069%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1069" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Jj8Lv791WQM/U87KF71D-_I/AAAAAAAASrc/AK07aZ5wmfk/DSC_1069_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_1069" width="444" /></a><br />
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wilderness of 70,400 acres of Dakota Badlands.<br />
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Theodore Roosevelt arrived here for the first time in 1883. He immediately fell in love with the land and quickly invested in cattle and soon had two large ranches.</div>
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After spending time in North Dakota, he became aware of the damage that was being done to the land and the wildlife. After he became President, he pursued his interest in conservation. The results of his efforts...<br />
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Five National Parks</div>
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51 Federal Bird Reservations</div>
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Four National Game Preserves</div>
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150 National Forest<br />
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By the end of his presidency, he had protected 230,000,000 acres of public land.<br />
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Roosevelt .."I have always said, I would have not been president if it had not been for my experience in North Dakota."<br />
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One more national park to cross off our list and<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S9hCqfQk2ms/U87KG-6DO4I/AAAAAAAASrk/wu1BTE9tAwY/s1600-h/DSC_1049%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1049" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0pmpKc591iM/U87KH6mt07I/AAAAAAAASrs/6PzyM02Er1U/DSC_1049_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_1049" width="444" /></a> <br />
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one more stamp for the passport book!<br />
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After our drive through the park, we headed back to the RV Park, where we waited out an afternoon thunderstorm.<br />
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By 5:00, the rain was gone, the air had cooled, and <br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6FW9Lvse9No/U87KIvl8hJI/AAAAAAAASr0/N86cc9xDi10/s1600-h/DSC_0040-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0040-001" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rsTPI5Nxa2Q/U87KJuNYleI/AAAAAAAASr8/T0umF-y4r_0/DSC_0040-001_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="295" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0040-001" width="444" /></a> <br />
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the six of us were off for our last dinner together.<br />
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We drove to the top of the hill that overlooks<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LieM95oFf5M/U87KKiLE7nI/AAAAAAAASsE/z8IUcn9z80U/s1600-h/DSC_0041-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0041-001" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6XxEU3PhFy8/U87KLdQDz2I/AAAAAAAASsM/OkB_Sh434jY/DSC_0041-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0041-001" width="444" /></a> <br />
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and the Little Missouri River and the town of Medora.<br />
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Dinner...<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nJQkUhlg_ts/U87KMOxXqXI/AAAAAAAASsU/E0g2czqorbI/s1600-h/DSC_0031-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0031-001" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZQara_ilL44/U87KM5CNIoI/AAAAAAAASsc/tqv3icdbub8/DSC_0031-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0031-001" width="444" /></a> <br />
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The Pitchfork Fondue.<br />
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Dinner was a 120z rib-eye that was loaded on pitchfork and immersed in 350 degree oil for 5 minutes. The steak was accompanied by lots of<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--fK9TWtgln0/U87KOZOKOGI/AAAAAAAASsk/qNjYdIK31fI/s1600-h/DSC_0033-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0033-001" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tZn01JAkhxo/U87KPDXDOuI/AAAAAAAASss/1NHNb2cDbPc/DSC_0033-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0033-001" width="444" /></a><br />
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sides on a serve yourself buffet line and included desert and a drink. <br />
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After dinner, we treated ourselves<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pQUaEfWsJn0/U87KPlLMORI/AAAAAAAASs0/i8Fd05HqM0c/s1600-h/DSC_0113-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0113-001" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OnHBbal69sU/U87KQ2eLYxI/AAAAAAAASs8/SLgFeD69o3s/DSC_0113-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0113-001" width="444" /></a> <br />
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to the Medora <br />
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The show is said to be the<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5RzrsPJHB1w/U87KSGn5k_I/AAAAAAAAStE/tFQwtSIcy8Y/s1600-h/DSC_0086-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0086-001" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RSm1XoAp-Ps/U87KTEYQlMI/AAAAAAAAStM/fXSJLN27-Uw/DSC_0086-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="296" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0086-001" width="444" /></a> <br />
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best in the West...and we agree!<br />
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It is dedicated to Theodore Roosevelt's time in the Badlands and featured<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M2b8uNqjhVk/U87KT_YFBZI/AAAAAAAAStU/xWLPWFUfd4M/s1600-h/DSC_0069-001%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0069-001" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LzyOpY40qAs/U87KU7KUHtI/AAAAAAAAStc/4MvU_-Cj6TE/DSC_0069-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="244" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="DSC_0069-001" width="163" /></a> <br />
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Miss Emily, Queen of the West.<br />
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What a great finale to our two month journey!<br />
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July 22, 2014<br />
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This morning, we were up and ready to roll by 6:30. We headed out of Medora with <br />
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fog hanging over the hillsides and<br />
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Interstate 94. Thankfully, it didn't take too long for the sun come out from hiding!<br />
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Just west of Bismarck, we stopped for breakfast...one last Hardy's stop for Molly. Here we had hugs and kisses, and a couple of tears as we parted ways.<br />
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Bob and Molly...East bound and down! They are headed home to Virginia by way of Maryland...travel safe guys, those little hugs are just down the road!<br />
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Rich and Mary...headed home to Illinois...safe travels to you...Mary, be sure to let us know when it is time to sign up for Vancouver!<br />
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Love you guys...and again, it has been an awesome journey!</div>
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As for Mark and I...the adventure continues...<br />
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Our the first stop will land us in Minnesota for a few days. We are looking forward to visiting and catching up with Bob, Kathy, Niles, Sue...Lark Drive Gang...and Retama family!<br />
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Yep...it's a new adventure in the making!</div>
Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-915059833593896172014-07-20T01:08:00.001-05:002014-07-20T01:08:44.640-05:00Reflection Facts<p align="center">July 19, 2014</p> <p align="center">I know there are those of you out there that are as curious as we were about how to plan and save for an Alaskan Adventure. And, while no one travels in the same style or pace, or with the same interest that we do, just keep in mind that these facts are our facts. And, not everyone does it like we did.</p> <p align="center">Because everyone travels to the border from a different Point A, being your location in the lower 48 to Point B, being your choice of border crossings. I started recording my facts on May 22, 2014, from our staging area at Johnson's of St. Mary Campground in St. Mary, Montana. and cover 57 days of travel through Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon Territory, Alaska, and back...ending with our return border crossing at Sweetgrass, Montana on July 18, 2014.</p> <p align="center">First, make sure you purchase the latest edition of the Milepost. It will be your guide, map, and constant companion for the entire trip. Of, course, in the beginning you won't be able to read it or figure it out! For some routes, you read it front to back, while other routes you read it back to front. And, then just when you think you have it all under control, you have completely changed highways, skipped 75 pages, never to return to where you left off. And, sometimes, you are miles down the road, before you know exactly where you are. You use high-lighters, make notes, and question your sanity, but, by the time you return to the lower 48, you will be a pro at reading this book. You will have practically memorized it, but, you will have also learned a lot about the roads less traveled. This wonderful necessity can be purchased from Amazon or your local bookstore for $34.95.</p> <p align="center">Next, if you are planning on a lot of sightseeing trips, fishing charters, or other adventures, purchase the Tour Saver Coupon Book from Tour Saver.com. The cost is $99, and the offers are 2 for 1. We used several coupons, I think enough that it was worth the purchase.</p> <p align="center">We traveled in our 40' motor home and towed our Jeep. Other than a few locations, we had no problems getting in or out, or finding a place to stay. The Top of the World Highway is beautiful, I am sure...but, we chose not to drive it.</p> <p align="center">We traveled 7,100 miles from border to border. We used 825.9 gallons of diesel fuel that averaged to $4.91 a gallon. The most we paid was $6.46/gallon at Watson Lake, Yukon Territory and the lowest we paid was $3.88 in Conrad, Montana. Our total fuel cost was $4,052,08.</p> <p align="center">Out of the 57 nights we spent on the road, we stayed in RV Parks or Campgrounds 35 nights for a total of $1,194.82. The other 22 nights we boon-docked at Wal-Mart, Fred Myers, or in a pullout along the road or beside a beautiful lake! So, with all those free nights averaged in the mix, our camping averaged $21/night.</p> <p align="center">Fishing trips, airplane rides, boat trips, shipping over 75 pounds of fish to Texas, and all other fun added up to a little less than $3,000.</p> <p align="center">I didn't keep a real close track on food. We have never calculated this in our travels. We figure we have to eat wherever we are. We enjoy tasting the local fare while traveling and try to support the local restaurants. And, on this trip, we found lots of good ones!</p> <p align="center">I think the craziest thing I did was pay $5.79 for 4 rolls of Toilet Paper in Seward. And, we always seemed to find Coke Zero on sale usually 3 for $12.00. Otherwise, a 12 carton of Coke was around $9.00. And, in Ninilchik, at a small local grocery, we saw a 16 ounce tub of sour cream for about $6.00. Thankfully, we were able to shop at Wal-Mart and Fred Myers where the prices weren't too bad. Well, so much for those free camping spots...lol</p> <p align="center">Oh, yes, I guess, I have to throw in that tire we had to buy in Whitehorse for $700.</p> <p align="center">We learned to use Loonies and Toonies while in Canada. Those are one and two dollar coins.</p> <p align="center">The highest we paid to do laundry was $4.00 to wash and $4.00 to dry.</p> <p align="center">And, last...I am sure I am taking enough souvenirs back to Texas.</p> <p align="center">So, the facts are the facts, but, the fact of the matter...the</p> <p align="center"> I<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DaGl-OE9Rtk/U8tc04ZVutI/AAAAAAAASnM/GF0YQeavJDs/s1600-h/DSC_29583.jpg"><img title="DSC_2958" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_2958" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1NepsLDrOeY/U8tc5o43euI/AAAAAAAASnU/vEZdvZTwvFk/DSC_2958_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">reflections...they were priceless and will not be forgotten!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-7448236624586016962014-07-18T23:38:00.001-05:002014-07-19T06:45:41.551-05:00Five Days On The Road...<p align="center">July 14 -18, 2014</p> <p align="center">This past Monday, we left</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aeQxj1v9dIQ/U8nxDRIx5-I/AAAAAAAASbY/rSdDPo5Eg3s/s1600-h/DSC_06343.jpg"><img title="DSC_0634" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0634" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6w1q3rxBYhs/U8nxFp3X89I/AAAAAAAASbg/o1OTwo21_Lk/DSC_0634_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Skagway in our rearview mirrors and headed into</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s96yD7WdG0Y/U8nxINRisjI/AAAAAAAASbo/WOP5nR9MT-k/s1600-h/DSC_06453.jpg"><img title="DSC_0645" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0645" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kRoW6cB4UhE/U8nxKgY5uyI/AAAAAAAASbw/pX3ayft6Bao/DSC_0645_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Canada.</p> <p align="center">As we traveled through Yukon Territory, we were still in awe of the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-feM3v_zPaJs/U8nxMhqOnwI/AAAAAAAASb4/PecyOpYSSSI/s1600-h/DSC_06573.jpg"><img title="DSC_0657" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0657" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7kVQ67MEGdg/U8nxPLUl5NI/AAAAAAAAScA/kIssAFX1CvY/DSC_0657_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beauty that we have seen throughout this journey. The lakes, the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S9qZsZ02dxo/U8nxRQP3PgI/AAAAAAAAScI/TqtI3RMPbQw/s1600-h/DSC_078318.jpg"><img title="DSC_0783" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0783" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sl-xQJoQUeM/U8nxUO9qEkI/AAAAAAAAScQ/VnUTbflomuo/DSC_0783_thumb18.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="295"></a> </p> <p align="center">the wildlife, and,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-foLs1ilO8sE/U8nxWKux0gI/AAAAAAAAScY/KOIyE2EYKc8/s1600-h/DSC_07783.jpg"><img title="DSC_0778" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0778" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aO8GOPj65lg/U8nxXnbXL_I/AAAAAAAAScg/lOFoy3CE7bk/DSC_0778_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the mountains have all been amazing.</p> <p align="center">We traveled back through Carcross, where we took the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--j4KkEdzXI4/U8nxZ_OSoSI/AAAAAAAASco/InGde9TXL7g/s1600-h/DSC_06623.jpg"><img title="DSC_0662" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0662" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2ALt9yAejfQ/U8nxb-bG39I/AAAAAAAAScw/3zkB7y_k4u0/DSC_0662_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Atlin-Tagish-Carcross Scenic Loop to Jake's Corner. This 34 mile paved road connected us to the Alaska Highway South of Whitehorse. It wasn't too far down the road, where we safely crossed the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mTtQsxyLu-g/U8nxe-9pePI/AAAAAAAASc4/5oAFJ-auq1g/s1600-h/DSC_06683.jpg"><img title="DSC_0668" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0668" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VwtS0Gl18hs/U8nxids5mMI/AAAAAAAASdA/v88tnbbq2Hk/DSC_0668_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Teslin Bridge. Molly has renamed this the Mark Hall bridge. If you remember, this is the bridge that claimed that rear tire on the motor home on our way up.</p> <p align="center">We made a stop at the mile marker for the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ochJ9TJvaiI/U8nxkVFEtWI/AAAAAAAASdI/zii1zZAVt3U/s1600-h/DSC_06742.jpg"><img title="DSC_0674" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0674" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uDf1kvbf5pw/U8nxmLFVKnI/AAAAAAAASdQ/4HErigyYELY/DSC_0674_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m6TC68PDFKQ/U8nxoP8qp7I/AAAAAAAASdY/WqcrZ7dsFCA/s1600-h/DSC_06702.jpg"><img title="DSC_0670" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0670" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VTnXmyzFgtY/U8nxpqpbvbI/AAAAAAAASdg/wTNPS06wiUg/DSC_0670_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163"></a> </p> <p align="center">Continental Divide which divides 2 of the largest drainage systems in North America--the Yukon River and Mackenzie River watersheds. Water draining west from this point forms the Swift River which drains into the Yukon River. It then starts a northwest journey of 2,300 miles to the Bering Sea. The water that drains to the East flows into the Laird River then the McKenzie River and flows Northwest and empties into the Beaufort Sea (Arctic Ocean) a journey of 2,650 miles.</p> <p align="center">We made our way back through</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KvwPkXDmeqI/U8nxr2iO9CI/AAAAAAAASdo/HBYjpFBgRvY/s1600-h/DSC_06793.jpg"><img title="DSC_0679" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0679" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--m-UaZLyAjk/U8nxuIqO4WI/AAAAAAAASdw/EjJ7mJobeEA/DSC_0679_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Watson Lake where we got one last glimpse of The Sign Forest. It would be interesting to know how many new signs have been added in these past couple of months and will be added for the rest of this summer.</p> <p align="center">Just out of Watson Lake, we met up with</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eQt7QfrTpB4/U8nxwfp4uBI/AAAAAAAASd4/ftRSzgqD_Y0/s1600-h/DSC_06804.jpg"><img title="DSC_0680" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0680" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YEurrVTI3TY/U8nxy1VY1NI/AAAAAAAASeA/i0ucz1t6njs/DSC_0680_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="295"></a> </p> <p align="center">this big guy, just before we came upon the </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fjlMmCtI5x8/U8nx1AQEq4I/AAAAAAAASeI/CWXcdjOesGM/s1600-h/DSC_06953.jpg"><img title="DSC_0695" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0695" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XjXljLPqQUU/U8nx3dBX8TI/AAAAAAAASeQ/mx_fccL_Kg0/DSC_0695_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Pilot Car. His job today was to take us through</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SCfu4LUgzew/U8nx6AfAtVI/AAAAAAAASeY/1WX_9J0Hl34/s1600-h/DSC_07003.jpg"><img title="DSC_0700" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0700" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-enD-ehHi5k8/U8nx8-mhGfI/AAAAAAAASeg/-VlLdEq6M_U/DSC_0700_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the construction zone.</p> <p align="center">It is true what they say about Canada and Alaska. There are two seasons...Winter and Construction. And, this was only one of the</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NmcCXEt-Ioc/U8nx-RSgpkI/AAAAAAAASeo/ONggP9TH2x0/s1600-h/DSC_06933.jpg"><img title="DSC_0693" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0693" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J5w1N3ELCI0/U8nyAKoRvcI/AAAAAAAASew/oG4QFG2465s/DSC_0693_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">many areas we drove through.</p> <p align="center">After driving the rough roads and the dirty roads, we had the thought that we might make our nights stop at Laird River Hot Springs, but, by late afternoon, the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yYoFRHSRQGE/U8nyB69y-1I/AAAAAAAASe4/tFq2eur9nI8/s1600-h/DSC_07313.jpg"><img title="DSC_0731" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0731" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ss5MlP8zeak/U8nyDy9eE4I/AAAAAAAASfA/qc9DiHIQG4w/DSC_0731_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">temperatures were creeping to numbers we hadn't seen in weeks. So, the thought of a bath in the hot springs coupled with the mosquitoes in the woods, caused us to rethink the end of our day. And, we drove on.</p> <p align="center">Soon, we found a beautiful pull out</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VFrs02cF6Nw/U8nyFxa2VjI/AAAAAAAASfI/ntNJaMoVdhs/s1600-h/DSC_07263.jpg"><img title="DSC_0726" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0726" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FJRDIPeBZ8I/U8nyH7Cfv4I/AAAAAAAASfQ/TbTXHjMq_so/DSC_0726_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">across the road from Muncho Lake. And, after a 500 mile travel day, the stop was both relaxing and welcomed.</p> <p align="center">July 15, 2014</p> <p align="center">On Tuesday morning we woke to a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1bimMZGR8o8/U8nyJufTt2I/AAAAAAAASfY/3hKdDbtDvqM/s1600-h/DSC_07503.jpg"><img title="DSC_0750" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wPQz6jmQkH0/U8nyLid120I/AAAAAAAASfg/Kb_EGerTyiY/DSC_0750_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful blue sky and a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JBV6F5Iy5Vg/U8nyOeHmeSI/AAAAAAAASfo/x7E-rnEZkSE/s1600-h/DSC_07464.jpg"><img title="DSC_0746" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0746" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VmHbU6qmJyc/U8nyReGyv0I/AAAAAAAASfw/1hGCR3yi4Jo/DSC_0746_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="295"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Caribou just outside the motor home. We watched him for awhile while he showed off for the camera before we decided it was time to get on with the day.</p> <p align="center">Our travels today, took us on around </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GrkwL_82NII/U8nyTMsxY0I/AAAAAAAASf4/246NO91ksPs/s1600-h/DSC_07493.jpg"><img title="DSC_0749" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0749" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5ishRYPNLfU/U8nyWKBYkyI/AAAAAAAASgA/ePiwVGisQyw/DSC_0749_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Muncho Lake, around</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HtmGpMhGLwg/U8nyYGKZTnI/AAAAAAAASgI/kdDLQzWKKpk/s1600-h/DSC_07903.jpg"><img title="DSC_0790" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0790" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8Pc5aQ91qUs/U8nyaAhKSQI/AAAAAAAASgQ/g0x0DrpWuQE/DSC_0790_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the narrow roads, and </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FEVIARfJSoM/U8nycoYnexI/AAAAAAAASgY/mHbKLr4ktpA/s1600-h/DSC_07953.jpg"><img title="DSC_0795" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0795" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zES9Hh6pZMY/U8nyfUWj_0I/AAAAAAAASgg/KjOp88Kr2Yc/DSC_0795_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">through the mountains, and on to points South.</p> <p align="center">What we didn't know, is that once again today, we would encounter not only</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--t584QAlDPI/U8nyi7pDduI/AAAAAAAASgo/sCUcP0uNUk0/s1600-h/DSC_08004.jpg"><img title="DSC_0800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0800" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eeLlE0GX1dc/U8nymQrJXwI/AAAAAAAASgw/fGncF2YrYbY/DSC_0800_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="408"></a> t</p> <p align="center">more wildlife, but, more</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H2VX2Lotkec/U8nyoIROByI/AAAAAAAASg4/Jix5QIOC8HQ/s1600-h/DSC_08283.jpg"><img title="DSC_0828" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0828" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1uNd2wxp4G0/U8nyp0ARZiI/AAAAAAAAShA/HD-3WGpLN7w/DSC_0828_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">construction.</p> <p align="center"> And, here, where most of the roads are only two lanes, there is no place to re-route the traffic, so you just travel through the construction areas.</p> <p align="center">We traveled through what seemed like miles and miles of</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nR5V4sSWLwY/U8nysEUcfrI/AAAAAAAAShI/4PPhSdB-gLI/s1600-h/DSC_08333.jpg"><img title="DSC_0833" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0833" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SlEBOqbfEmM/U8nyuniI9oI/AAAAAAAAShQ/-bO31HbCiRU/DSC_0833_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">construction before we reached Fort Nelson.</p> <p align="center">We stopped at the North end of town at the city dump station while Bob and Molly traveled on into town for fuel. Just as Mark and I were pulling out of the parking lot, we looked up to see</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d1PBEkEXK8k/U8nywcknQPI/AAAAAAAAShY/xcRwterGzwk/s1600-h/DSC_08453.jpg"><img title="DSC_0845" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0845" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Nuq3EqBDQKM/U8nyyNGld5I/AAAAAAAAShg/2BPoxfLx2qw/DSC_0845_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Rich and Mary pass right by us. After we all made a stop at the local A&W for lunch, Rich and Mary joined us as we continued our trek South. Glad to have you guys back with us!</p> <p align="center">Our afternoon travels took us through the area called Pink Mountain. Just since we passed through here a couple of months ago, the oil companies have started lots of drilling. So, not only have we had to share the roads with the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EYcTnmjpi-Q/U8ny0EaxR7I/AAAAAAAASho/qEALFWkN5xg/s1600-h/DSC_09034.jpg"><img title="DSC_0903" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0903" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E-b9056h234/U8ny2n3F9EI/AAAAAAAAShw/GNzETSegMHo/DSC_0903_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="295"></a> </p> <p align="center">construction workers, now, we are passing lots of</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C4DTW4fYmm4/U8ny4TrEWgI/AAAAAAAASh4/7O2vFHxsyS0/s1600-h/DSC_08533.jpg"><img title="DSC_0853" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0853" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2P69PAW1Gio/U8ny6bHxiGI/AAAAAAAASiA/ZtccNxqLglU/DSC_0853_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">really really big trucks bringing in lots of drilling equipment. And, some of these trucks needed</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z6Z5geig8d4/U8ny8dFVz2I/AAAAAAAASiI/z2XjMCNwznY/s1600-h/DSC_09143.jpg"><img title="DSC_0914" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0914" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6nlYQ2vVblE/U8ny_qSdFvI/AAAAAAAASiQ/2-Dy8ZIB-M4/DSC_0914_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">most of the road. This particular one had 14 axles on the ground. Twelve of them were duals. That means there were 50 tires on this vehicle!</p> <p align="center">By late day, we reached</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-scYtV2oa94g/U8nziOBre6I/AAAAAAAASiY/yxdbEonkltE/s1600-h/DSC_08953.jpg"><img title="DSC_0895" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0895" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-majDFfuSOgE/U8nzjSWQoXI/AAAAAAAASig/4HvzZ5uYsi0/DSC_0895_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Dawson Creek, the official start and stop of the Alaskan Highway. Seems like we were just here in a way, and then again, it seems likes it was a lifetime ago.</p> <p align="center">We traveled on through town where, Bob, Molly, Rich and Mary found a pull out for the night. Mark and I drove on to Grande Prairie where we found a much needed RV Wash before we settled in at the local Wal-Mart for the night. And, an end to another long travel day.</p> <p align="center">July 16, 2014</p> <p align="center">Wednesday morning, Bob and gang made their way to Grande Prairie, to made a run through the truck wash before we all headed out of town to work our way toward Edmonton.</p> <p align="center">The drive today was beautiful. The fields along the highways were filled with</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wPhKDOFftVk/U8nzkqcfmII/AAAAAAAASio/YtqEntOlu9Q/s1600-h/DSC_08903.jpg"><img title="DSC_0890" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0890" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q2kFiO94HlE/U8nzm-AvZJI/AAAAAAAASiw/tu6bUAGOyG4/DSC_0890_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful yellow blooms. Our first thoughts was that this is mustard, but someone told us it was canola? Whatever it is, the fields are so pretty and seemed</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xe40ymy1O3o/U8nzoi2xBQI/AAAAAAAASi4/785DF-Myttk/s1600-h/DSC_08983.jpg"><img title="DSC_0898" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0898" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l3qZ2-GKCeQ/U8nzqlQOA5I/AAAAAAAASjA/6vyN66xwAiE/DSC_0898_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">to go for miles.</p> <p align="center">As we traveled along, we begin to notice the sky</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Lv8vBr0nmFo/U8nzrhnKIaI/AAAAAAAASjI/AkE42lCe2CY/s1600-h/DSC_09113.jpg"><img title="DSC_0911" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0911" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5ZvRNsMZocU/U8nztayW0nI/AAAAAAAASjQ/Bu_i5lYjCK8/DSC_0911_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"> becoming smoky. We found out that there are forest fires towards Banff and Jasper.</p> <p align="center">The smoke</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YVd-qIS0Fbs/U8nzu5KdZcI/AAAAAAAASjY/hYxvP05BlBk/s1600-h/DSC_08783.jpg"><img title="DSC_0878" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0878" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G9jz8ULlcak/U8nzw0K0DfI/AAAAAAAASjg/y5eyt-rmx34/DSC_0878_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">hung in the sky making the sun look red.</p> <p align="center">We made it through Edmonton and after two long travel days, we decided to cut this day short. We found a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bQMlqNt5qHo/U8nzzAJz03I/AAAAAAAASjo/gIZysyhP2WI/s1600-h/DSC_09263.jpg"><img title="DSC_0926" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0926" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lit-TOxVd10/U8nz1yeyf3I/AAAAAAAASjw/68vi-Q_wd_U/DSC_0926_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">little city park in Lacombe. They offered electric only sites, but, for the night, it was perfect and all we needed. Great place to stop and relax for the evening.</p> <p align="center">July 17, 2014</p> <p align="center">Thursday morning</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s9uPjfKcOhA/U8nz3bO4upI/AAAAAAAASj4/k9E1VekNkpc/s1600-h/DSC_09283.jpg"><img title="DSC_0928" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0928" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yxlPOyS-BK8/U8nz5zXA4xI/AAAAAAAASkA/8u03DFwMeqk/DSC_0928_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">dawned to what looked like a great day. Our travel plan today would take us through</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hWxoZxehKSE/U8nz7S8qfvI/AAAAAAAASkI/SNf-6XxhPiA/s1600-h/DSC_09303.jpg"><img title="DSC_0930" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0930" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F9be07lkHOw/U8nz9NsDxWI/AAAAAAAASkQ/bg4TlmlCGBQ/DSC_0930_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Calgary and on to our border crossing at Sweetgrass, Montana. We had originally planned to stop over in Calgary to see JB and Brenda, but, back down the road, Bob found a small fuel leak in the biggie truck. After talking with the dealership in Great Falls, Montana, they could look at it on Friday morning. So, no tarrying, we needed to make tracks in that direction before the small leak became a big one. Sorry JB and Brenda, we didn't get to make that stop...hope to catch up with you guys in Arizona this winter!</p> <p align="center">After we wiggled our way through the rush hour in Calgary, we got a few more miles behind us when Molly decided it was breakfast time. She located an A&W...sounds great...we just didn't know we had to take the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QoACb9jl-P0/U8nz_dMuR4I/AAAAAAAASkY/j5lDa06ZJVc/s1600-h/DSC_09333.jpg"><img title="DSC_0933" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0933" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yG_xs7x0oMY/U8n0B2ntzzI/AAAAAAAASkg/rkG6KgecAss/DSC_0933_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">construction route to get there. But, it was worth it, and, by the time we arrived, we were all ready for breakfast!</p> <p align="center">Tummies full, we were headed on our southern route for the border. However, by the time we reached Fort Macleod, Bob's Biggie Truck decided it had gone far enough. And, just as we reached the south end of town, he lost all power included steering and brakes. He managed to get off the road. He waited just a minute and it started. Just ahead of us was a GMC dealership! Now, if you are going to breakdown, It is always good to do it with a service center in sight.</p> <p align="center">After limping around the corner and into their lot, the service techs were quick to check out the problem. Good news is they can fix it, bad news, the part had to be over-nighted from Edmonton. So, our travel day ended today before noon, but, everyone is safe and the repairs to the truck should take place in the morning.</p> <p align="center">And, so for tonight, Bob and Molly are</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yMF7AEfp_C4/U8n0DUXkgpI/AAAAAAAASko/vd_YObA4b7E/s1600-h/DSC_09583.jpg"><img title="DSC_0958" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0958" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H91s_VPPSQ0/U8n0FDhwXGI/AAAAAAAASkw/dU95Es_yGaU/DSC_0958_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">tucked in next to the service center, while we are</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hDRVt0lTZR0/U8n0G-vcDbI/AAAAAAAASk4/3Buw0Zxkt_0/s1600-h/DSC_09563.jpg"><img title="DSC_0956" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0956" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6RAEnae0DuM/U8n0IeLekvI/AAAAAAAASlA/IB0-rrah1es/DSC_0956_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">parked just across the street in a large parking lot.</p> <p align="center">If all goes well with the repairs, we will try again tomorrow for that border crossing!</p> <p align="center">July 18, 2014</p> <p align="center">This morning, we were all taken back a bit when we found out that the part that was suppose to arrive from Edmonton overnight was on a truck that was broken down somewhere between Edmonton and Fort Macleod.</p> <p align="center">Just about the time we were thinking that border crossing wasn't going to happen, the dealership received a call that the part was on its way. It did arrived and we were off for our usual A&W breakfast treat while the mechanics got to work on the truck.</p> <p align="center">It was after noon before the techs finished up with the Biggie Truck and we were all hooked up and ready to go.</p> <p align="center">We were glad to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NYKiESDLsnE/U8n0KUctt4I/AAAAAAAASlI/6e0myGrql4g/s1600-h/DSC_0959-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0959-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0959-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y2a9SmRL7wo/U8n0MZHjCPI/AAAAAAAASlQ/I4P2QvcSRcE/DSC_0959-001_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="328"></a> </p> <p></p> <p align="center">to be on the road and thankful that Bob and Molly were safe from their scare yesterday, and the repairs were easy.</p> <p align="center">As we traveled on towards the border, we enjoyed the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jExftCeu_Uc/U8n0OJYU19I/AAAAAAAASlY/38fDgqIzMys/s1600-h/DSC_0976-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0976-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0976-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DKjR9xcNY2A/U8n0QPAbEJI/AAAAAAAASlg/Z6nODijDlGI/DSC_0976-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">fields of blue contrasted by the yellow. And, like the yellow fields, we aren't sure what it is, but, it is beautiful. Maybe some of our Canadian friends will set us straight.</p> <p align="center">We saw an</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CbAwf9HQAjg/U8n0SloQzkI/AAAAAAAASlo/P_okUMvnUvQ/s1600-h/DSC_0965-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0965-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0965-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MJNkN7X0gHw/U8n0UI-_W4I/AAAAAAAASlw/ZrQyuDkEI_Y/DSC_0965-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">old water tower that has been recycled into what looks like an office building. And, this beautiful</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NNMACPIaBrM/U8n0VkSXxfI/AAAAAAAASl4/DpWeoyy079c/s1600-h/DSC_0962-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0962-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0962-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1NBy2tUrlAk/U8n0XPCO-3I/AAAAAAAASmA/B167d7e6W5Q/DSC_0962-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">railroad bridge.</p> <p align="center">And, then, by late afternoon, we had the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9e4hmbSeLJo/U8n0Ymr9VgI/AAAAAAAASmI/bQuo6JAj0Zw/s1600-h/DSC_0983-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0983-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0983-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xvXXUsv_jIg/U8n0ar4B6UI/AAAAAAAASmQ/TlTG5yKiamk/DSC_0983-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">border crossing in sight. It was an easy crossing and the border patrol officer welcomed us home. And, I must say, it was nice to see</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kXFyACmKWWw/U8n0cxsMrUI/AAAAAAAASmY/8irI7nxrbtI/s1600-h/DSC_0985%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0985" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0985" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J0BEdZwmeyQ/U8n2Unj3oKI/AAAAAAAASms/Kvs1JfDBfd8/DSC_0985_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="364"></a> </p> <p align="center">this sign.</p> <p align="center">And, now as we comtinue our summer adventure, we are now in Montana, traveling across Highway 2 making our way towards North Dakota. This is one of the last lower 48 states we need to visit.</p> <p align="center"> But, tonight, as we are parked on the Wal-Mart parking lot in Havre, Montana, we are still talking about the awesome trip to Alaska, but, glad to be back to the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hvAjs6jBybk/U8n2VuGK_2I/AAAAAAAASm0/u3RxYE7b9aQ/s1600-h/DSC_1004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1004" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IzmP1I0emRM/U8n2WiKi1uI/AAAAAAAASm8/ygcrTvmqeNA/DSC_1004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">green green grass of home!</p> <p align="center">And, as the song goes...Six days on the road and I'm gonna make it home tonight...we just made it in five!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-78308574228722767202014-07-14T02:45:00.001-05:002014-07-14T03:03:39.232-05:00Alaska...Our Last Day...<p align="center">July 13, 2014</p> <p align="center">Our last day in Alaska...how do we spend it?</p> <p align="center">We decided we wanted to see Juneau. Because there are no roads to Juneau, we booked</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RXENDXRvsUQ/U8OI2Z-zOKI/AAAAAAAASTw/AFxNaQnVhYI/s1600-h/DSC_0593%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0593" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0593" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_JHGsWiMeYM/U8OI4Nm1aHI/AAAAAAAAST4/jlJvUCzEAAY/DSC_0593_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">a tour.</p> <p align="center">The</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AgDbJttfqGg/U8OI5o7gmPI/AAAAAAAASUA/tnIoXgNUS64/s1600-h/DSC_0313-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0313-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0313-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iWEAJNh8_n4/U8OI7LvwHZI/AAAAAAAASUI/23vzj1mmQ7I/DSC_0313-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">boat arrived at the harbor this morning at 7:30. We boarded and headed out of Skagway</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9Whznu8kFho/U8OI8QT8UDI/AAAAAAAASUQ/Y6eS9mfbFbY/s1600-h/DSC_0322-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0322-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0322-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DfSpb0j0g8w/U8OI9iUPxvI/AAAAAAAASUY/Q7qmcZmsZQA/DSC_0322-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">in the fog and misty rain. We were not too sure how this day would work out.</p> <p align="center">However, despite the fog, we saw</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_MIqaoaRxNk/U8OI_N_AjSI/AAAAAAAASUg/NO0RKcfL2aQ/s1600-h/DSC_0348-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0348-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0348-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iTk2RMzZNZQ/U8OJA4lpSBI/AAAAAAAASUo/9eCDZx8gb_4/DSC_0348-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful water falls that started high in the mountains finding their way to the ocean below.</p> <p align="center">We watched</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-haeOSY788DM/U8OJCK_lawI/AAAAAAAASUw/dz28sJa0UH0/s1600-h/DSC_0406%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0406" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0406" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jhdz52EQaN4/U8OJDu-hz-I/AAAAAAAASU4/9DBdUt0hwyg/DSC_0406_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Sea Lions pups playing like kids.</p> <p align="center">We made a stop in</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iisLhP_MQAk/U8OJFID11II/AAAAAAAASVA/D8KzENoBQFc/s1600-h/DSC_0372%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0372" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0372" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UMxtUpOU5hk/U8OJIDvm_BI/AAAAAAAASVI/Fdhf7JRv7FM/DSC_0372_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the small boat harbor at</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gN1dbY7aTco/U8OJJnyYIOI/AAAAAAAASVQ/cEn4CawXc0g/s1600-h/DSC_0379%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0379" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0379" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xEWQnVYK9eo/U8OJLUP67TI/AAAAAAAASVY/gITI0hvWE7k/DSC_0379_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Haines where we picked up a few more passengers.</p> <p align="center">As we made our way on towards Juneau, we passed</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OBOYwZygmJM/U8OJMrJJRdI/AAAAAAAASVg/iiV1qmPfCZ0/s1600-h/DSC_0428%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0428" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0428" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CUMP5MrZD18/U8OJOa7kxaI/AAAAAAAASVo/IDgb1xw5gEE/DSC_0428_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the ferry boat,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-andNAagHl84/U8OJPgTNPxI/AAAAAAAASVw/aj86bHuxY88/s1600-h/DSC_0464%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0464" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0464" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oVZYB8IgSf0/U8OJRYMAaDI/AAAAAAAASV4/CiKNBcj06jI/DSC_0464_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the tender boat, and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8Vid-8A7IMA/U8OJTAfwR3I/AAAAAAAASWA/GOXPjGMYZ2Q/s1600-h/DSC_0389%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0389" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0389" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tSL7SuBtcjk/U8OJU9VcwzI/AAAAAAAASWI/PWhvbEogTT8/DSC_0389_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">a fishing boat. </p> <p align="center">As we neared Juneau, the more the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OM3v8Jy5Qt0/U8OJVyUd-yI/AAAAAAAASWM/cqO16Xm9rws/s1600-h/DSC_0461%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0461" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0461" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--HM3Jw1prZg/U8OJXGmDe0I/AAAAAAAASWY/oeZSkSJ4KjI/DSC_0461_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">fog rolled in. We heard over the radio someone say...I have never seen this much fog... but,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C6-GXlbTxR0/U8OJYvlvgzI/AAAAAAAASWg/i9UWYXuEAn4/s1600-h/DSC_0457%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0457" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0457" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OnvSYN8arA8/U8OJaJq4JiI/AAAAAAAASWo/c_cy5-474g8/DSC_0457_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Glynn, our Captain, delivered us safely to the dock just out of Juneau.</p> <p align="center">We boarded a bus and headed into town. By the time we reached our destination, the rain was steady, but, our driver dropped us off at the dock anyway and said we were on our own. We had a couple of hours to shop</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W8-73CFyLK0/U8OJb_536qI/AAAAAAAASWw/rofSnXr14NA/s1600-h/DSC_0478%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0478" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0478" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0V4FLD5NtGU/U8OJdxGuObI/AAAAAAAASW4/77FUMbHfLhY/DSC_0478_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the streets of Juneau and have lunch. We didn't find much to shop for and decided to find a place for lunch to get in out of the rain.</p> <p align="center">After making a stop at the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IlIUygwuBMQ/U8OJgOjl7TI/AAAAAAAASXA/wgM2d-tPXLw/s1600-h/DSC_0497%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0497" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0497" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Pk8BSIh8LX0/U8OJh4G8PzI/AAAAAAAASXI/LxRHW_BNeYY/DSC_0497_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Red Dog Saloon, where the line was out the door, we decided to go to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3N3LHaE9uRA/U8OJjtpQwqI/AAAAAAAASXQ/pRhdLJ6-Yt0/s1600-h/DSC_0489%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0489" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0489" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YHCewfJOdew/U8OJl3FN3TI/AAAAAAAASXY/OxJYOkHWog0/DSC_0489_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Tracy's King Crab Shack. So, much for finding a dry place. However, while you have to place your order outside, we did find a place inside to eat.</p> <p align="center"> We ordered crab bisque, crab cakes, and decided we couldn't leave Alaska without having at least</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GOX7n5M3Mww/U8OJn3BoPhI/AAAAAAAASXg/MP47MXR-nt4/s1600-h/DSC_0486%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0486" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0486" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kSbiPVU5UdI/U8OJp1a4lEI/AAAAAAAASXo/tT9aM935NEo/DSC_0486_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">one king crab leg! All of it was yummy, but, the hot bisque and garlic rolls hit the spot on this rainy day!</p> <p align="center">It was soon time to head back out into the rain and to our</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yhW9hB2WeW8/U8OJryhj1_I/AAAAAAAASXw/1qpDTinOyj4/s1600-h/DSC_0494%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0494" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0494" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zadWIXf0ORU/U8OJuCthJJI/AAAAAAAASX4/Cx7R6GTmE10/DSC_0494_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">bus. We loaded and made ready for our next stop,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8DU8liirM2s/U8OJvo6yAbI/AAAAAAAASYA/QNTxGj2NA6Y/s1600-h/DSC_0517%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0517" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0517" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bfxt2sYrb1Y/U8OJxk1xQnI/AAAAAAAASYI/03AFWIn8BIY/DSC_0517_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="175"></a> </p> <p align="center">Mendenhall Glacier.</p> <p align="center">By the time we reached the park, the steady rain had not given up. But, being the troopers we are, we unloaded and headed out to see</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ef2wB1Zoe-0/U8OJz2iEW3I/AAAAAAAASYQ/WHEYLAk2Ix0/s1600-h/DSC_0506%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0506" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0506" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vGW9Q5kP0No/U8OJ2YMznDI/AAAAAAAASYY/osgAkxTy-jg/DSC_0506_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Mendenhall Glacier, the most viewed glacier in Alaska.</p> <p align="center">This is a closer view</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bw15N8H4si8/U8OKCsKJVjI/AAAAAAAASYg/aZbpryRFIBM/s1600-h/DSC_0503%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0503" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0503" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4llD5ephRCU/U8OKEHSBK7I/AAAAAAAASYo/jGEGMVksmpM/DSC_0503_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">of the glacier. I think I have lost track of how many glaciers we have seen in the last several weeks, but, they are so beautiful and amazing to see.</p> <p align="center">We had a little time to go through the Visitor Center where we watched a short movie and of course, made a trip through the gift shop before our bus driver returned. Once again, we loaded on the bus, but this time, we had to return to the harbor where we boarded our boat for the return trip to Skagway.</p> <p align="center">By the time we pulled out of the harbor, the rain had almost stopped. We stopped by to watch a fisherman friend of Glynn's, our boat captain, gill net fishing. With a permit, they can fish</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8PtMthsvf0w/U8OKFnUdrGI/AAAAAAAASYw/NKav0qmvwzQ/s1600-h/DSC_0521%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0521" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0521" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wm6Nt-8m0YU/U8OKHfuv5vI/AAAAAAAASY4/vo78YnxVFdM/DSC_0521_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">for 3 days. They put out their</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8XsRHCpFLcI/U8OKIrcqFcI/AAAAAAAASZA/Piik6CLl01Y/s1600-h/DSC_0519%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0519" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0519" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3Y1KJOd43Gw/U8OKKWl07rI/AAAAAAAASZI/GCJkHBGwJZM/DSC_0519_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">nets, some as long as 300 feet. They wait a couple of hours and start reeling them in, hoping to have salmon in the nets. They empty the nets and start all over.</p> <p align="center">Moving on, we passed a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-weLx_mtHd-o/U8OKLwd-_-I/AAAAAAAASZQ/IHbyQ7rLrZE/s1600-h/DSC_0536%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0536" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0536" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HUJ1so0c9Fs/U8OKNYaJutI/AAAAAAAASZY/TaSNtTX8wDI/DSC_0536_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"> cruise ship headed down the inside passage.</p> <p align="center">We got a great view of</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mkgMDmDi2sg/U8OKPLIgqnI/AAAAAAAASZg/rbeMzGnaSVU/s1600-h/DSC_0578%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0578" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0578" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qf5pagtgnLE/U8OKR80u9mI/AAAAAAAASZo/ISCM93r6wc0/DSC_0578_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the old lighthouse located on a small island.</p> <p align="center">We made a return stop in Haines, where we found an</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VhVQPhq36so/U8OKTWtF3pI/AAAAAAAASZw/S1KqsT-P3e4/DSC_0611%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img title="DSC_0611" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0611" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JjJ5tohICBU/U8OKcbqbsCI/AAAAAAAASZ4/tUj-4vxkoM4/DSC_0611_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">eagle perched out on the rocks guarding the harbor.</p> <p align="center">Then, not far out of Skagway, we met up with that pesky fog</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iarU8y12z94/U8OKd472s6I/AAAAAAAASaA/sXidJv3D01M/s1600-h/DSC_0606%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0606" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0606" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7XDbO4fwQGE/U8OKfvxoSII/AAAAAAAASaI/bwr5Di0fI5Q/DSC_0606_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">lying low on the water. It</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IRhpZgceeR0/U8OKhHy49BI/AAAAAAAASaQ/mG1abfDYhp4/s1600-h/DSC_0599%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0599" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0599" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BnS1noi134k/U8OKi71M0JI/AAAAAAAASaY/Z9CLDkclC6o/DSC_0599_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">begin to cover our view of the mountains and by the time we arrived in</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lbZrp8v3Zvk/U8OKjwa3kCI/AAAAAAAASag/1WeVio-miUs/s1600-h/DSC_0623%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0623" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0623" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7rGCipIvZ4k/U8OKlIppciI/AAAAAAAASao/mhuHGGzoiLk/DSC_0623_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Skagway, the harbor could barely be seen. And, tonight, we are totally socked in by the fog and the steady rain has retuned.</p> <p align="center">Now, although our last day in Alaska, has been a dreary one, it is one that we won't soon forget. Because, just about the only thing left that could be true Alaska made this day and the finish to our trip...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fpUc2m3pXyk/U8OKnIiwXdI/AAAAAAAASbE/gayKB3KiVcA/s1600-h/Juneau%25252C%252520AK%2525202014%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Juneau, AK 2014" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="Juneau, AK 2014" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ukmOmy6TNeg/U8OKo4oUt2I/AAAAAAAASbM/T9HJKCLjVuc/Juneau%25252C%252520AK%2525202014_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="327"></a> </p> <p align="center"> a whale of a day!</p> <p align="center">Thanks Alaska, it's been great!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-1134130845758123592014-07-13T02:07:00.001-05:002014-07-13T02:50:36.354-05:00Our Last Few Days...<p align="center">July 10, 2014</p> <p align="center">Today, as we traveled the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ApEPXQUzJ8k/U8Itrq0aZlI/AAAAAAAASI4/Jw9GzeIbhKo/s1600-h/DSC_00980013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0098-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0098-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5dm_VxjiZog/U8IttpIbSII/AAAAAAAASJA/ijgJ77Hnfhg/DSC_0098001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Tok Cutoff Road, Rich was experiencing a few problems with the motor home. Even though it seemed to be driving and shifting okay, there was something just not right.</p> <p align="center">I know he was watching the gages so much that he didn't even get to enjoy the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-87HJVqU5k_w/U8ItvMNu3sI/AAAAAAAASJI/cuX2GNiLkvs/s1600-h/DSC_0097-001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0097-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0097-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HptZF0Z9WHQ/U8ItwodbOwI/AAAAAAAASJQ/IfsvOS5LsRQ/DSC_0097-001_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="236"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful rivers and lakes that we passed along the way.</p> <p align="center">Thankfully, we weren't too far out of town, and he made it safely to the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5xM4EfvOOvI/U8ItyX-jDCI/AAAAAAAASJY/5RS9DvYP00Y/s1600-h/DSC_01050013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0105-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0105-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8K77Z_X6dp0/U8It0Nz9r6I/AAAAAAAASJg/F7v3b4dZywo/DSC_0105001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">service center in Tok.</p> <p align="center">While the techs were checking it out, we had lunch at</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y3OLSHB4v8Q/U8It1txk5EI/AAAAAAAASJo/3hltm-uZt7s/s1600-h/DSC_01010013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0101-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0101-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TI7ivfutiyc/U8It39mJvcI/AAAAAAAASJw/iVCNVmhBQIU/DSC_0101001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Fast Eddy's...home of the giant plate of fried mushrooms.</p> <p align="center">As soon as lunch was over, Rich headed back across the street to the repair center. Results...the top radiator hose had a small hole in it. No other damage, and something they could get get fixed that afternoon.</p> <p align="center">Sadly, this is where we said good-bye to Rich and Mary. From here they are heading back to the lower 48. Wishing you a safe trip home to Illinois. The journey has been great.</p> <p align="center">Now, we are down to two rigs...Bob, Molly, Mark and I. We traveled out of Tok</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DSvE1hNhdk8/U8It6EEo9nI/AAAAAAAASJ4/WjPsHlr5bXs/s1600-h/DSC_01150013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0115-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0115-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-be83gilvrKM/U8It_j91_wI/AAAAAAAASKA/q4rf0GSXTfs/DSC_0115001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">and on towards the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dm-EeXEXSQY/U8IuBZmY70I/AAAAAAAASKI/6-3OAXYEbHI/s1600-h/DSC_01200013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0120-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0120-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y1fx6k9W6gk/U8IuDVOptJI/AAAAAAAASKQ/gKh2Bq7KSxY/DSC_0120001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Yukon border.</p> <p align="center">We were still enjoying the beautiful</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R8yYVKom_2g/U8IuE9TM_VI/AAAAAAAASKY/7Db9_DzIW74/s1600-h/DSC_0114-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0114-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0114-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8mJUYUvSj5U/U8IuGqZb7AI/AAAAAAAASKg/Gh0RoRiIHQA/DSC_0114-001_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">flowers and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FkNtkIdfJvE/U8IuH4BkBTI/AAAAAAAASKo/pPfresG3iKc/s1600-h/DSC_01070013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0107-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0107-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X__OtSwPWuM/U8IuJeNh5fI/AAAAAAAASKw/9DZaVK9xdFM/DSC_0107001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">views when we came to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iCG2BCYq8s8/U8IuLYg5xPI/AAAAAAAASK4/MeCwKfb-p-s/s1600-h/DSC_01270013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0127-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0127-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pgXHksEJNBs/U8IuNBvtmbI/AAAAAAAASLA/mNyLpsDPzIs/DSC_0127001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">the dreaded road construction that starts around Beaver Creek and ends on the other side of Destruction Bay...some 100 miles!</p> <p align="center">We thought the frost heaves and that section of road was bad 6 weeks ago, but, it is</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FY203v0A5s8/U8IuOwcuoWI/AAAAAAAASLI/fvJ3DV-ZM3U/s1600-h/DSC_01330013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0133-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0133-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9txJyjUYogA/U8IuRrS2rVI/AAAAAAAASLQ/_Iw5pdHGqxc/DSC_0133001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">so much worse now. Although they</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qYZOEfhIVjs/U8IuTpR4X4I/AAAAAAAASLY/4OL5CbWf8Ok/s1600-h/DSC_01320013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0132-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0132-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kn9Hf42Xbq0/U8IuVe5AgAI/AAAAAAAASLg/2kO0_W8iI40/DSC_0132001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">continually work on it, I am not sure</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7UebC8XnCtI/U8IuXLWs92I/AAAAAAAASLo/-Rf5PMCN4Rw/s1600-h/DSC_01470013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0147-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0147-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JxTXi5WyY6s/U8IuYrrdUEI/AAAAAAAASLw/iGlPeurg-lQ/DSC_0147001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">they will be finished before winter. And, then to think they have to start all over next summer.</p> <p align="center">I may never complain about I-40 ever again!</p> <p align="center">Makes me wish they could get this</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AlvHtd-IwzU/U8IuaVktJtI/AAAAAAAASL4/diJhl2II_-8/s1600-h/DSC_01300013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0130-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0130-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EMjwAJFPdJE/U8IucVOZS-I/AAAAAAAASMA/Stk0rKMBat4/DSC_0130001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">experimentation done...learning how to keep the perma frost from melting. Maybe some day.</p> <p align="center">Driving this road leaves your</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s8qK7k5mX6k/U8IudzeDTdI/AAAAAAAASMI/rIed5jIe63o/s1600-h/DSC_01560013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0156-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0156-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IOXfyWCRFic/U8IufiEjbuI/AAAAAAAASMQ/W075kU_g4Oc/DSC_0156001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">tow vehicle looking like this!</p> <p align="center">As we approached</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WhfpvLmB5nw/U8Iui5BRJJI/AAAAAAAASMY/Ry7mBdjKMA4/s1600-h/DSC_01530013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0153-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0153-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q0jvgc3Hguc/U8Iumv0quiI/AAAAAAAASMg/cl4I4a9lHao/DSC_0153001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Kluane Lake, we decided to start looking for a place to call home for the night. And, I do believe we picked out the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DUhDjNlM3cg/U8Iun9bGGgI/AAAAAAAASMo/gw-AuMLX9a8/s1600-h/DSC_01670013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0167-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0167-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MWVPIUkGPwg/U8Iupcd0arI/AAAAAAAASMw/mk_bKBeyAok/DSC_0167001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the perfect place to say good-night to a rough travel day.</p> <p align="center">July 11, 2014</p> <p align="center">This morning, we woke looking forward to continuing our Alaskan Adventure. Yes, we might be in Yukon Territory, but, we are not quite ready to say good-bye to Alaska. So, we decided to make a side trip to Skagway.</p> <p align="center">Just out of Whitehorse, we picked up the Klondike Hwy. We made a stop in</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_bJttlgCwe4/U8IurMRqaNI/AAAAAAAASM4/8TF98qM0ANk/s1600-h/DSC_0188-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0188-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0188-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NzXwWjB-I_M/U8Ius3SAfNI/AAAAAAAASNA/7fgyzGCNXp4/DSC_0188-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Historic Carcross which was formerly known as Caribou Crossing because large numbers of caribou traversed the narrows here between two lakes. In 1901, the gold stampeders stopped here as they made their way to the Klondike goldfields. It was also a major stop for the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad from 1900 until 1982. Today, it is a great stop for visitors traveling to and from Skagway. Carcross is also becoming a great destination for mountain biking, where bikers can challenge the trails on the 7,233 foot Montana Mountain.</p> <p align="center">Our stop was at the local bakery for a yummy strawberry scone.</p> <p align="center">Leaving the quaint little</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0OaJ1wEYLvs/U8IuuQ_4UwI/AAAAAAAASNI/iGwPzRJIftM/s1600-h/DSC_0189-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0189-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0189-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1vFRIR8VhSs/U8IuwGbz-qI/AAAAAAAASNQ/vRkyxHllL9g/DSC_0189-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">town of Carcross and Yukon Territory behind us, we entered</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-midGm1Uhh2k/U8IuyITHeTI/AAAAAAAASNY/cB0Uqr3S0o4/s1600-h/DSC_0202-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0202-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0202-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cri32rspPpY/U8Iu0mnioPI/AAAAAAAASNg/5An0W6tir1c/DSC_0202-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">British Columbia.</p> <p align="center">We found ourselves enjoying the beautiful</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VWONxNa2ZOA/U8Iu2N9tZzI/AAAAAAAASNo/8sWgWTl4lCk/s1600-h/DSC_0200-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0200-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0200-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r-gGH-0brHs/U8Iu38g9g7I/AAAAAAAASNw/WVRfBB9i5hM/DSC_0200-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">lake and mountains, that have shed their ice and snow since we where here in late May, when we came upon</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1pYdkHYtzdQ/U8Iu512odPI/AAAAAAAASN4/51L1oyXmM8k/s1600-h/DSC_0207-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0207-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0207-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LaJ0vp6IcIo/U8Iu7izCzcI/AAAAAAAASOA/yul11cRa28U/DSC_0207-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the dreaded stop sign!</p> <p align="center">In the recent weeks a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-11wYe2jqkTo/U8Iu990xzlI/AAAAAAAASOI/tI7jfMIBqeM/s1600-h/DSC_0208-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0208-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0208-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WdYG6dtrDvM/U8Iu_zchxvI/AAAAAAAASOQ/sqRFOca-rPI/DSC_0208-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">rock and mud slide closed the road.</p> <p align="center">Now, they are working day and night</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JlwCo078v3g/U8IvBcfNJdI/AAAAAAAASOY/mLuT5lM8Cv8/s1600-h/DSC_0211-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0211-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0211-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ygFY3LhnJuA/U8IvDG_Km4I/AAAAAAAASOg/iNRpikcoqw8/DSC_0211-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">to get it cleared away and the road repaired.</p> <p align="center">Even though we were lost in the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9ZU6bdF8Chw/U8IvEbXHTgI/AAAAAAAASOo/7REQE6rRoM8/s1600-h/DSC_0210-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0210-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0210-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m0sbriK7f2c/U8IvF9j3QOI/AAAAAAAASOw/BiJY8KfufQc/DSC_0210-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">cloud of dirt, we soon emerged on the other side and worked our way back into</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RmeUEI5MQwM/U8IvHdxPHtI/AAAAAAAASO4/yQjOZSVf5Qc/s1600-h/DSC_0234-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0234-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0234-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A-tJHNra7qQ/U8IvI_Ce5XI/AAAAAAAASPA/HM-11h8HHC0/DSC_0234-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Alaska.</p> <p align="center">We arrived in Skagway and found Pullen Creek RV Park, our home for the next few days. It is a site with water and electric and situated right on the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-evL-599nSqM/U8IvLIfqK-I/AAAAAAAASPI/w5BzXPGmvAE/s1600-h/DSC_0239-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0239-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0239-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kpQJRkT5jZA/U8IvM20HzFI/AAAAAAAASPQ/6YS1_QpjdxE/DSC_0239-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">parking lot of the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-alLudGgO3kM/U8IvPHEXOxI/AAAAAAAASPY/iwqnksnd1bI/s1600-h/DSC_0238-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0238-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0238-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gwQ4QSPOmuw/U8IvQrmIgnI/AAAAAAAASPg/7aep5H32w_8/DSC_0238-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">harbor and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w3yUTBljwu4/U8IvSacLv8I/AAAAAAAASPo/2PbyA28XhZg/s1600-h/DSC_0242-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0242-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0242-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hUa5fp1Jt7k/U8IvUTtwn0I/AAAAAAAASPw/9TLgXLDO66M/DSC_0242-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the Skagway Fish Company which just happened to be serving lunch! A great meal of halibut and chips.</p> <p align="center">After lunch, we walked into</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HiOkRlDOAcM/U8IvWMoEB3I/AAAAAAAASP4/Idxr4bOWXgU/s1600-h/DSC_0245-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0245-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0245-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2bmBa35THNc/U8IvX4FNprI/AAAAAAAASQA/LAbCSaWxCcw/DSC_0245-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">town for a little shopping. By late afternoon, the rain settled in over Skagway and by night, the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W1gIsikXvUU/U8IvZeKhEvI/AAAAAAAASQI/cUB26Bo0pqA/s1600-h/DSC_0255-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0255-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0255-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qoiKYkIyXn0/U8IvbFMn6_I/AAAAAAAASQQ/wR1fTsZ6eTo/DSC_0255-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">fog lay over the harbor almost obscuring the view of the departing cruise ship.</p> <p align="center">July 12, 2014</p> <p align="center">The rain that started yesterday is part of a slow moving system in the area. It rained all night and was still raining this morning. We didn't let that stop us from our plan for the day. And...our bus driver,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--L_fF_BNLZ8/U8IvcgKxOGI/AAAAAAAASQY/7hz4wpSCgyE/s1600-h/DSC_0261-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0261-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0261-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ktSobq0dRDo/U8IveecdQQI/AAAAAAAASQg/9nAXiph8jhs/DSC_0261-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">Buttermilk, picked us up to drive us just out of town to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tU8XOIh-Oso/U8IvgEay_mI/AAAAAAAASQo/5aNVTc6VK7c/s1600-h/DSC_0260-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0260-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0260-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H8IbUZjym1k/U8Ivh0JYoDI/AAAAAAAASQw/5k19xXc3Pl0/DSC_0260-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Liarsville.</p> <p align="center">Our trip included an all-you-can-eat</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A_AiDs8pBwk/U8IvkVW99LI/AAAAAAAASQ4/oijodfZXqvs/s1600-h/DSC_0265-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0265-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0265-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u1q4tLSdKdA/U8IvmSZAm3I/AAAAAAAASRA/1o0q86D1fOs/DSC_0265-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Salmon Bake, grilled up by Sloppy Joe and his helper, Peanut.</p> <p align="center">Molly watched as they grilled, hoping to get a pointer or two.</p> <p align="center">Even though the rain persisted, we enjoyed</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-acdJs16Jf4g/U8IvoODyjPI/AAAAAAAASRI/WeSBLjIZna4/s1600-h/DSC_0273-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0273-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0273-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2UX-gbOLFwM/U8IvqEJSbWI/AAAAAAAASRQ/z2Z2xo_zk0s/DSC_0273-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">the perfectly grilled salmon and all the fixings that came with it!</p> <p align="center">Then it was short walk across the street to the Lairsville Gold Camp.</p> <p align="center">This is where the gold stampeders gathered to start their trip to the Klondike. They purchased</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AxbDwq8Dlnc/U8IvrlgASEI/AAAAAAAASRY/awgeMRm0xB4/s1600-h/DSC_0283-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0283-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0283-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KF4RJv7ET5Q/U8IvtifytGI/AAAAAAAASRg/AdH-e6Aojus/DSC_0283-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">supplies before heading out on the rugged trail leading them to Dawson.</p> <p align="center">The newspaper reports camped here</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VEkVZR34N7E/U8IvvMAaUWI/AAAAAAAASRo/EV368_kCqe0/s1600-h/DSC_0278-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0278-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0278-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cg-UQr-3CNU/U8IvwzAMemI/AAAAAAAASRw/Qll6FtZELSQ/DSC_0278-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">reporting about the gold rush...not always the truth...thus, the name Lairsville!</p> <p align="center">This is the story...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OZfrcLlK7BE/U8IvypZBDDI/AAAAAAAASR4/XCoKOAtDF4Y/s1600-h/DSC_0301-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0301-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0301-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--FYPTMVRwYE/U8Iv0W0jL-I/AAAAAAAASSA/GzLkk-scjE4/DSC_0301-001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EInTJTCjqEE/U8Iv2GsLUvI/AAAAAAAASSI/oM5DuzESNp4/s1600-h/DSC_0299-001%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0299-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0299-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IGPdtOFnJRg/U8Iv4OBfidI/AAAAAAAASSQ/T1WSCCAuI0Y/DSC_0299-001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gokt1YS1e2A/U8Iv5zxwsBI/AAAAAAAASSY/IYAb4ouLR-s/s1600-h/DSC_0300-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0300-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0300-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QbIRc--EA4w/U8Iv7qjB7QI/AAAAAAAASSg/u588LY46hls/DSC_0300-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">This was certainly not a must do to add to the list of adventures, but, the food was good, and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LqhmCqW4x9M/U8Iv9BQMztI/AAAAAAAASSo/hj6QzRp--qM/s1600-h/DSC_0291-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0291-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0291-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X-FpSh7kWS0/U8Iv_uEUANI/AAAAAAAASSw/585E-ganyvk/DSC_0291-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">although not in the Klondike, Mark tried his hand at gold panning.</p> <p align="center">His take</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7Y85EDHk1kw/U8IwBOUtUvI/AAAAAAAASS4/nyANH8dJQbA/s1600-h/DSC_0305-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0305-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0305-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hSjxAnTZEzA/U8IwDO03oYI/AAAAAAAASTA/L-B_hTjw7z4/DSC_0305-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">two little flakes.</p> <p align="center">We said good-bye to the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qNxRkhmxi5I/U8IwFORImRI/AAAAAAAASTI/XTjlptPqxA0/s1600-h/DSC_0308-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0308-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0308-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-soD4ppFJMOQ/U8IwHDMhaVI/AAAAAAAASTQ/KYYeCUZlzkc/DSC_0308-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">actors of Lairsville and returned to Skagway where Molly and I did a little more shopping while the guys headed back to the campground.</p> <p align="center">Tonight, the steady rain is still with us and once again, the fog settled over the harbor as we enjoyed a hot bowl of chowder and watched</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Oc45jtK7tBE/U8IwIXLEdVI/AAAAAAAASTY/244nBQ2DKBY/s1600-h/DSC_3808%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3808" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3808" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4RoC3pnqmto/U8IwKlwl4DI/AAAAAAAASTg/T36m-ieYmCg/DSC_3808_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">cruise ships depart Skagway.</p> <p align="center">And, even with the rain and fog, we are choosing to take advantage of our last few days in Alaska.</p> <p align="center"> See you tomorrow in Juneau!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-12157170517357620562014-07-10T09:09:00.001-05:002014-07-10T09:09:42.840-05:00Moving On...Valdez and Beyond<p align="center">July 8-9, 2014</p> <p align="center">Monday afternoon, after literally coming down out of the clouds from our glacier landing trip, we packed up and moved from Talkeetna to Palmer. As planned, Rich and Mary were waiting on us at the Fred Myers store, our campground, for the night.</p> <p align="center">On Tuesday, we were up and ready to roll. After meeting up with Wallace and Wanda, Bennit and Bea, we headed out the Glennallen Highway...destination...Valdez.</p> <p align="center">We hadn't traveled too far down the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PM6f5diJlSw/U742dU6en5I/AAAAAAAASAo/usRfpwZu3yE/s1600-h/DSC_0719%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0719" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0719" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Etf2I9nAOU4/U742emPhyZI/AAAAAAAASAw/QGdp6IdHTp4/DSC_0719_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">road, when this nice road turned into</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2JXdRyHxGw0/U742ge5V9QI/AAAAAAAASA4/KLQ-NGpgWh8/s1600-h/DSC_0722%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0722" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0722" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GnEIYmVU_-E/U742hJUeHbI/AAAAAAAASBA/zfM53viBQ9c/DSC_0722_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">this road...and these</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IoULt9G1odg/U742m0ZF2yI/AAAAAAAASBI/VIbloyz1_F4/s1600-h/Valdez%25252C%252520AK%2525202014.jpg"><img title="Valdez, AK 2014" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Valdez, AK 2014" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ms0hMgmFyqw/U742n_BcGOI/AAAAAAAASBQ/VWOktNBSBUA/Valdez%25252C%252520AK%2525202014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="297"></a> </p> <p align="center">were the only directions we had for what seemed like many miles!</p> <p align="center">However, the scenery was</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NmXaoevYRSs/U742olgMiNI/AAAAAAAASBY/5wJgO8NEoU4/s1600-h/DSC_0755%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0755" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0755" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9sU3wk9xlgA/U743VH3CGvI/AAAAAAAASBg/aj3luucN_nU/DSC_0755_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful, as usual. And,</p> <p align="center">after all the ups and downs, we found this</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4P67ch6uINI/U743WO5dN0I/AAAAAAAASBo/S8wDXMLOQxA/s1600-h/DSC_0787%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0787" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0787" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W383I3Wwxzc/U743W3ueiEI/AAAAAAAASBw/kbY5_A2o-9M/DSC_0787_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">great pull out.</p> <p align="center">It was nice to stop and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r6SKCrPXuAU/U743X5EwbSI/AAAAAAAASB4/MOXxzk1E9oY/s1600-h/DSC_0786%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0786" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0786" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pZsPJTnkLeU/U743YmSeAtI/AAAAAAAASCA/ChRDzxnkoJA/DSC_0786_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">stretch.</p> <p align="center"> While we were there,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K3PjRav3I68/U743ZoKAH0I/AAAAAAAASCI/30G9Wcm204o/s1600-h/DSC_0792%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0792" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0792" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vs4pPfbz6tA/U743ajSQEeI/AAAAAAAASCQ/z3b8VWJZFvI/DSC_0792_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Claire, senior editor for The Milepost pulled in. We had fun visiting with her about our travels. She gave us all new Milepost books (the bible for Alaskan travel) and she</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z_zscsLWnh0/U743j1W9MNI/AAAAAAAASCY/CEUnp-uKFcY/s1600-h/DSC_0791%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0791" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0791" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n83leWzxmVw/U743laTaNlI/AAAAAAAASCg/0y2sTa5CHR4/DSC_0791_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">took our picture beside the truck! Who knows, we might be famous some day.</p> <p align="center">Soon we left behind the Glennallen Highway and intersected the Richardson Highway...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XAfRu1dhP9M/U743mEcsBzI/AAAAAAAASCo/XgxewYRGC24/s1600-h/DSC_0854%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0854" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0854" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kf765LJX3p0/U743nAq6L6I/AAAAAAAASCw/zjheCbFCIWI/DSC_0854_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">turning right for Valdez. For awhile, I thought we were</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mwmaZUv0LnM/U743n---UUI/AAAAAAAASC4/iHF1FgJI_vc/s1600-h/DSC_0071-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0071-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0071-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OJZKU4xAEVs/U743ohs-zjI/AAAAAAAASDA/IJcJ3tbystU/DSC_0071-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">lost in the forest and the road construction, but, then, the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sWPTD65l1Pw/U743pX2o1AI/AAAAAAAASDI/NCgN_v7TQ5I/s1600-h/DSC_0882%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0882" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0882" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kUsbObA92f8/U745LTg5pdI/AAAAAAAASDc/l87uUmQD1wk/DSC_0882_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beauty of the rivers and mountains come back into view.</p> <p align="center">The drive into Valdez was amazing. We saw</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CKisVpGJx9A/U745Mk1K-1I/AAAAAAAASDk/1lBNZfL80ks/s1600-h/DSC_0876%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0876" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0876" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yq-tprhypKE/U745NStNbtI/AAAAAAAASDs/U1xN4Sbu3v0/DSC_0876_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">glaciers,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cn7zawrzVZs/U745OXjHe2I/AAAAAAAASD0/WkbmaISUYJY/s1600-h/DSC_0925%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0925" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0925" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A4wv_CzL8U4/U745PV_64eI/AAAAAAAASD8/jEJOxMOkhkI/DSC_0925_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">canyons,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HJEbkFOhNqQ/U745QPtf-nI/AAAAAAAASEE/Xx8XKq68FKc/s1600-h/DSC_0931%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0931" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0931" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHr4DxRE_m5l4FTzeRk5xoaj2DPidmKpqXKfOWBI9MRk3M_4N-z6m2y9hobvt3Ihyphenhypheny0QHIHdO9_DxVc2h2MbN-ql6HaVgjn8_pM12DN6zQTdd7-His1gTT2A47w9X2nx8D1UZmSc_qqTo/?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">waterfalls, and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GqGVQWgJ2Pg/U745R4Pkt9I/AAAAAAAASEU/XhAKYsJqXWI/s1600-h/DSC_0917%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0917" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0917" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pZLPyfnbLXc/U745SkpnPAI/AAAAAAAASEc/mpWz14Ony8U/DSC_0917_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">caves carved in glacier ice.</p> <p align="center">We even found</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lbNg7Z-4KDs/U745Tq-IW3I/AAAAAAAASEk/Z6dXCayCeNM/s1600-h/DSC_0903%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0903" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0903" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E89vZ6ZrLHY/U745UiHpYEI/AAAAAAAASEs/ggRJIr3OvmY/DSC_0903_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">snow beside the roadway along Thompson Pass. I had to remind myself that it is July! But, also realize that as the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bEMR63BxZhs/U745V-JhwjI/AAAAAAAASE0/yH7_qxZSlUA/s1600-h/DSC_0009-001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0009-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0009-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wo8_6r7_VIU/U745WsmFR2I/AAAAAAAASE8/Wvc2btEUQKM/DSC_0009-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful fireweed blooms to the top, in Alaska, that means summer is over. So, I doubt that the snow on Thompson Pass will completely melt before the new snow returns.</p> <p align="center">Traveling on into Valdez, we signed into</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OMcyTZdH5S8/U745XkBWjVI/AAAAAAAASFE/KxI31PcjS8w/s1600-h/DSC_0025-001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0025-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0025-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EZpPS5C1zL4/U745YTM35JI/AAAAAAAASFM/OHdZNcsrpgY/DSC_0025-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Bayside RV Park. Basically, it is a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dLCHBY49d20/U745ZIxTN-I/AAAAAAAASFU/WsnLbZOHWF8/s1600-h/DSC_0021-001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0021-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0021-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mj8pYe-T8lQ/U745Z37ZTSI/AAAAAAAASFc/Ekr-E2eAOC8/DSC_0021-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">big parking lot, as are a lot of the campgrounds in Alaska. The sites were nice, level, and we had 30 amp service with full hook-ups. Wallace, Wanda, Bennit and Bea are staying for the week to fish. The rest of us are here only for the night.</p> <p align="center">We set up, got the laundry done, and walked to town for a nice dinner. Afterwards, we drove a little ways out of town and around the sound. We heard that the bear come to feed there. And, they do, but, we were too late to see them. But, we did have fun watching the</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Xu3ABlLtCRw/U746ztSp9-I/AAAAAAAASFw/m6VqcydJCqU/s1600-h/DSC_37662.jpg"><img title="DSC_3766" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3766" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sAjiP9UJB4c/U7460iqtoSI/AAAAAAAASF4/XiGO35mRmlY/DSC_3766_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="356"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">sea lions catch the fish for their dinner.</p> <p align="center">And, every where we looked, we saw</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zbUBU7TktFw/U7461-12EKI/AAAAAAAASGA/eg52Xb1R2bc/s1600-h/DSC_00020011.jpg"><img title="DSC_0002-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0002-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y491Ol2RKVY/U7462iIkZyI/AAAAAAAASGI/8oJdH9kgg3c/DSC_0002001_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="295"></a> </p> <p align="center">eagles sitting in the trees.</p> <p align="center">It was a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6NyRjFtydv8/U7463YuZxnI/AAAAAAAASGQ/6OGr4EjiAXs/s1600-h/DSC_0017001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0017-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0017-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1P7-XtS-I7o/U7464VQgjdI/AAAAAAAASGY/ddPPPSBE53I/DSC_0017001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful night in Valdez.</p> <p align="center">July 9, 2014</p> <p align="center">After a leisure morning, we had our hugs and see you later with Wallace, Wanda, Bennit, and Bea. It's been great guys, and hope to see you down the road. And, good luck fishing!</p> <p align="center">As for the the rest of us, we headed out of town. We made a stop by</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J1jXHtV6Bvw/U7465EhO_II/AAAAAAAASGg/g2cUDhn8sKw/s1600-h/DSC_0039001%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0039-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0039-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eyHzekWjAp4/U7466fZgknI/AAAAAAAASGo/z699msxB1OM/DSC_0039001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">this old train tunnel.</p> <p align="center">This is the sign</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m26G9ch7gPY/U7467A-zohI/AAAAAAAASGw/DCprxPqGWBQ/s1600-h/DSC_00370013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0037-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0037-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4evqVAs4oWI/U7468BUMBlI/AAAAAAAASG4/-5FY9QRfLoQ/DSC_0037001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">outside the entrance.</p> <p align="center">We also saw the debris that was left from the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UgTHwF2x_Yk/U7468w4zwRI/AAAAAAAASHA/G8-D_HP1QEY/s1600-h/DSC_0049001%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0049-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0049-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X4yuvuodq2M/U7469xgkTxI/AAAAAAAASHI/QV8kNnkxjQw/DSC_0049001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">avalanche that closed off Valdez for a week or so.</p> <p align="center">This afternoon, we made a stop by the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gB9DonkNL7o/U746-iFZkgI/AAAAAAAASHQ/oo-0W5EMe-g/s1600-h/DSC_00730013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0073-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0073-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-M8I13LEtMbM/U746_prOABI/AAAAAAAASHY/oq4jFb4iEO4/DSC_0073001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Wrangell-Elias National Park. This park is the biggest in the national park system with 13.2 million acres of wild land and 9.7 million acres of designed wilderness. It is home to the beautiful</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gzJXCTE40zg/U747Af9rOrI/AAAAAAAASHg/cV10y4SziK0/s1600-h/DSC_00820016.jpg"><img title="DSC_0082-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0082-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8iv4ibXWVmo/U76eikHmJII/AAAAAAAASH4/Kn2vL78gMaQ/DSC_0082001_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Mt. Sanford (16,237 ft) and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RBILBgl0fpM/U76ej6xle-I/AAAAAAAASIA/K2ugT8reDMk/s1600-h/DSC_00870013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0087-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0087-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dPSJZziXJic/U76ek-zdEcI/AAAAAAAASII/gkd1zx7ILa4/DSC_0087001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Mt. Drum (12,010 ft).</p> <p align="center">Mt. St. Elias, not seen is (18,029 ft.) and is the second highest peak in the United States.</p> <p align="center">One more park pass for the book! </p> <p align="center">Soon it was time for us to think about where we were going to stop for the night. And, thanks to the good old Milepost, we found a great</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6JL6a57b38Y/U76emH0FOoI/AAAAAAAASIQ/QiBgFo2UP2k/s1600-h/DSC_00900013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0090-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0090-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LToT0K9bAiQ/U76enNQXGbI/AAAAAAAASIY/0RGYKvl2XUI/DSC_0090001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">pull out off the Tok cutoff...there was even a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kTRXTl5OqCU/U76eoFY_TnI/AAAAAAAASIg/Yc3AnncsJU4/s1600-h/DSC_00910013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0091-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0091-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--1vwuYbqd-I/U76epE9_MpI/AAAAAAAASIo/wyzlRusCaYw/DSC_0091001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">food truck in the lot serving dinner!</p> <p align="center">And, so ends one more beautiful day...we are so blessed!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-70289923553687213202014-07-08T03:54:00.001-05:002014-07-08T04:07:26.842-05:00An Awesome Day in Alaska!<p align="center">July 7, 2014</p> <p align="center">After raining for most of the night, the morning dawned clear and appeared that the sun was trying to shine. At 7:45 we made a call to Talkeetna Air to inquire about the flight schedule for the day. They confirmed that they would be flying today and for us to come on for an 8:30 flight!</p> <p align="center">Thank goodness we were staying just across the street from the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WIU7kzZz3TY/U7uxFcmRSEI/AAAAAAAAR48/_tQy8EMSxec/s1600-h/DSC_0423%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0423" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0423" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WZQxCe2jM6M/U7uxGcGt37I/AAAAAAAAR5E/98UJaz6NF-0/DSC_0423_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">office and airport. We checked in, confirmed our flight plan, which was a one hour tour to fly the south face of Mt. McKinley and then land on one of the lower glaciers.</p> <p align="center">Since we were going to land on the glacier, they gave us these</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SesW5XfR2pY/U7uxHIInNnI/AAAAAAAAR5M/g59ZQmR42R8/s1600-h/DSC_0427%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0427" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0427" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3IUb-f0gEec/U7uxH7jmiyI/AAAAAAAAR5U/stBsBFmtmGM/DSC_0427_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful boots to wear. While we were waiting, the girls in the office called for Bob. They told him they were choosing the four of us for an upgrade...free of charge! So, now, our flight plan included a 2 hour tour that would take us to over 20,000 feet allowing us to experience the dramatic view that only climbers see while flying over the summits of McKinley. And, the glacier landing! We aren't sure how or why we were the lucky ones...maybe they knew it was Bob's birthday today!</p> <p align="center">By the time, Trent,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PpLvuRnzkZY/U7uxIsloTcI/AAAAAAAAR5c/kjLUTHaNSgs/s1600-h/DSC_0434%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0434" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0434" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j3AG1V3DcDA/U7uxJndzwdI/AAAAAAAAR5k/ueWv8_S72jo/DSC_0434_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">our pilot, gave us our flight safety instructions, and showed us how to use the oxygen masks that would be required once we reached the high elevation, our excitement was</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ILKs3S-Tu8M/U7uxKUbwOqI/AAAAAAAAR5s/81gB9OvtezU/s1600-h/DSC_0437%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0437" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0437" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6zwonVIO3Fc/U7uxLRRddrI/AAAAAAAAR50/gWSsNHfHN1w/DSC_0437_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">hard</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4eGmG4pfPcQ/U7uxMPZhUeI/AAAAAAAAR58/_QBLWGqwaWg/s1600-h/DSC_0438%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0438" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0438" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-slt_aYY44Ug/U7uxM0_y4eI/AAAAAAAAR6E/2gaI8v7oD6E/DSC_0438_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">to contain.</p> <p align="center">Seatbelts fastened, headsets on, we were ready for</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hQ1pX5hIu0I/U7uxN1AH1pI/AAAAAAAAR6M/QeNOKOSKU5Q/s1600-h/DSC_0431%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0431" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0431" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aUU8-XIYCBs/U7uxOu6anuI/AAAAAAAAR6U/oDIWLTHZJn8/DSC_0431_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">take off.</p> <p align="center">We flew up, out, and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QvgI7B2igfE/U7uxPXsyEWI/AAAAAAAAR6c/I5f_TKuYdlc/s1600-h/DSC_0443%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0443" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0443" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Euii2j8AkVM/U7uxQNE_EGI/AAAAAAAAR6k/W98HyHso-Og/DSC_0443_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">over Talkeetna and the Susitna Valley towards the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OUO-htumS6I/U7uxQxPlG9I/AAAAAAAAR6o/Jew9NLWP9tg/s1600-h/DSC_0456%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0456" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0456" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4iIRrvhvE2U/U7uxRtlnlMI/AAAAAAAAR60/YHwZT4-XH8E/DSC_0456_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">The Alaskan Range.</p> <p align="center">We kept climbing and soon were instructed to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ylB_poaXAyU/U7uxSVFh7fI/AAAAAAAAR68/YBoKnFuzbss/s1600-h/DSC_0460%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0460" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0460" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EdgDDlLebx0/U7uxTMj96YI/AAAAAAAAR7E/oB3qyhDvSNw/DSC_0460_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">put on our oxygen masks.</p> <p align="center">And, at around 18,000 feet, we were amazed at the beauty</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DiQKHmyednI/U7uxUBjXFOI/AAAAAAAAR7M/Hlc1abHGJZQ/s1600-h/DSC_0473%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0473" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0473" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HAoy0DFAbaY/U7uxUzwBr1I/AAAAAAAAR7U/NMOrECF0qGQ/DSC_0473_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">we saw out the window of the plane.</p> <p align="center">There are no words to explain</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Reut3oeNV6o/U7uxVsMFoSI/AAAAAAAAR7c/cMEKgCRUXio/s1600-h/DSC_0499%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0499" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0499" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wDm4ajOLyqA/U7uxWfby50I/AAAAAAAAR7k/-cOgNShM2CU/DSC_0499_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the majesty of the mountains. We were able to see</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pwPbTX9z2lA/U7uxXdA2tVI/AAAAAAAAR7s/rFn-I45t08o/s1600-h/DSC_0521%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0521" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0521" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_6x22heX8VA/U7uxYD8nbrI/AAAAAAAAR70/TUs4pBtdJ7c/DSC_0521_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Mt. Foraker at 17,400 ft. and Mt. Hunter at 14,575 ft.</p> <p align="center">Then it was on to the top of Mt. McKinley, however, today due to the clouds, we saw all but about 1,500 feet</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rf1S3D9hbQY/U7uxY6O-AjI/AAAAAAAAR78/DTHx106ge9s/s1600-h/DSC_0491%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0491" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0491" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DkDR6RtExgc/U7uxZhrJ7YI/AAAAAAAAR8E/K08SN8hLbho/DSC_0491_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">at the top. Even thought there was no summit sighting today,</p> <p align="center">we did get a good view of the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-77HxyGI3toY/U7uxabtoZZI/AAAAAAAAR8M/9NxkxHeSOH0/s1600-h/DSC_0509%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0509" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0509" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5dloEW04iqE/U7uxbHbbLMI/AAAAAAAAR8U/YTBk9wToRdg/DSC_0509_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Wickersham Wall, the 14,000 north face of McKinley, which is one of the largest walls in the world.</p> <p align="center">Trent flew around for a little while longer trying to give the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rZJPOtkYewg/U7uxb5pa6tI/AAAAAAAAR8c/hYC89ncPhaM/s1600-h/DSC_0531%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0531" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0531" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F7M7udA6KFo/U7uxczhpCKI/AAAAAAAAR8k/-HM3RBrIvVQ/DSC_0531_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">clouds a change to clear, but they just kept hanging in. What we saw was still amazing!</p> <p align="center">When he determined that the clouds were just not going to cooperate, we descended down and through the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RDjoI3l8Hhg/U7uxdmPeTqI/AAAAAAAAR8s/GppSuwhUaBs/s1600-h/DSC_0535%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0535" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0535" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_8vRiPFvOA4/U7uxejMTcsI/AAAAAAAAR80/Pcf2mnE7uNc/DSC_0535_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">gorge, making our</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-45--FAN9YnY/U7uxfZpExBI/AAAAAAAAR88/4CxQWrJ2vUo/s1600-h/DSC_0562%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0562" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0562" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hOuZbZ2qMn0/U7uxgCxuw5I/AAAAAAAAR9E/jFStdv9LKP0/DSC_0562_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">landing on the Ruth Glacier.</p> <p align="center">What a beautiful</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9fo0Brdkcv8/U7uxgxp-CyI/AAAAAAAAR9M/e8Uu3P4WV3c/s1600-h/DSC_0594%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0594" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0594" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q_d7gDw-H5Y/U7uxhrEwBQI/AAAAAAAAR9U/CT2x-J9ysaU/DSC_0594_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">view. And, to think we are standing</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ku1TKUTUiLg/U7u0yPSUakI/AAAAAAAASAQ/YzU-g_BD-PI/s1600-h/DSC_0577%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0577" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0577" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-23YMv65xUe4/U7uxjx0rJ-I/AAAAAAAASAY/T1bY0hj1uOI/DSC_0577_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="306"></a> </p> <p align="center">on glacier ice that is 4,000 feet deep and 3 miles wide!</p> <p align="center">All too soon, it was time for us to board the plane...but, not before</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yQyav1da96A/U7uxkhHfv7I/AAAAAAAAR9s/KuYMoSPsds8/s1600-h/DSC_0605%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0605" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0605" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LBiMI9oG0yg/U7uxlShbM9I/AAAAAAAAR90/m3V8nCgGIo4/DSC_0605_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">a snowball came my way...I took it for you Mary!</p> <p align="center">Once we were off the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6d9vFWeE84o/U7uxmUpDBbI/AAAAAAAAR98/AnWapeNhVGY/s1600-h/DSC_0613%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0613" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0613" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fyoHYZWfVt0/U7uxnLpJSAI/AAAAAAAAR-E/aJINUxwMmqw/DSC_0613_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">glacier, it didn't take us long to leave the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QQgc1Wr-XXs/U7uxny6l14I/AAAAAAAAR-M/aET9Y-91QIg/s1600-h/DSC_0625%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0625" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0625" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-73t7cs7VhXQ/U7uxoga9D8I/AAAAAAAAR-U/x34n_jnUQ1o/DSC_0625_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">mountains behind us landing</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0uvxjbQN5Qk/U7uxptQbkNI/AAAAAAAAR-c/PbZe7NUdNuo/s1600-h/DSC_0644%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0644" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0644" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K113oKlKWDk/U7uxqbZZwBI/AAAAAAAAR-k/AUeKBX6XAs4/DSC_0644_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">safely back at the airport.</p> <p align="center">Thanks Trent and Talkeetna Air for a great flight!</p> <p align="center">We headed into town for a yummy birthday breakfast at the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lst1wyOE4Jo/U7uxrdQuRlI/AAAAAAAAR-s/POi8xnQP0fM/s1600-h/DSC_0645%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0645" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0645" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--eA8Czh88nQ/U7uxsXMTJyI/AAAAAAAAR-0/W-N-VsVGhU8/DSC_0645_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Wildflower Cafe. Afterwards, we made a stop by the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1pxlxHsss7c/U7uxs8-VptI/AAAAAAAAR-8/WNXY_DuBJdk/s1600-h/DSC_0646%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0646" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0646" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-83JAyFLTWcA/U7uxt1NwuDI/AAAAAAAAR_E/KXimcAia4Zo/DSC_0646_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Ranger Station in town so the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cxoojD4zi8E/U7uxun_8KeI/AAAAAAAAR_M/-_RlCyaCmx4/s1600-h/DSC_0650%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0650" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0650" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TpQKvozreQg/U7uxvT3LrLI/AAAAAAAAR_U/5YSzhhB565E/DSC_0650_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">birthday boy, turned 62, could get his senior National Parks Pass! </p> <p align="center">We then made one of our now famous 15 minute decisions and took a drive out to the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5xnVLWtuS6Y/U7uxwMt201I/AAAAAAAAR_c/T7xrM9WYYAc/s1600-h/DSC_0705%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0705" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0705" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JYJfdNIHyRI/U7uxw0SDt8I/AAAAAAAAR_k/4G0kbgULQvs/DSC_0705_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Talkeetna Lodge, knowing that they advertised a view of Mt. McKinley from their back deck. The sun was now shinning bright and just what if...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VYfPJyn77vA/U7uxxpmIDcI/AAAAAAAAR_s/1nyr2wZICd0/s1600-h/DSC_0703%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0703" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0703" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HK_tAJEaDGs/U7uxyvyURbI/AAAAAAAAR_0/kRF6eaMZ3Bk/DSC_0703_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the summit that we missed this morning!</p> <p align="center">What an awesome day</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xYBzVp1NODk/U7uxzVnNA2I/AAAAAAAAR_8/usM8w-s6zTA/s1600-h/DSC_0574%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0574" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0574" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NRi4X-0jQMU/U7ux0Y_zg5I/AAAAAAAASAE/5F5SNnFBZRI/DSC_0574_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">in Alaska!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-67813506012923423952014-07-07T02:02:00.001-05:002014-07-07T02:02:52.894-05:00Backtracking...<p>July 4 - 6, 2014</p> <p align="center">Friday dawned a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AGBr1Rfgj_U/U7pFvWFhYCI/AAAAAAAAR1E/rG-Bb5pgfoY/s1600-h/DSC_0235%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0235" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0235" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xMKIWzhKVWk/U7pFwZnx8VI/AAAAAAAAR1M/c3Q562OcXSY/DSC_0235_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful day to celebrate America's birthday. And, who could ask for a prettier place than Homer, Alaska. Especially, when you can celebrate with</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ghjZ-Mt2Zx4/U7pFxNsUbzI/AAAAAAAAR1U/5Y7V-cmkEeE/s1600-h/DSC_0245%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0245" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0245" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HXWZeo-2eaU/U7pFyKWhmbI/AAAAAAAAR1c/mjh5ncU0hPA/DSC_0245_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">great friends.</p> <p align="center">The owners of the campground grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken. Everyone brought a dish to share. And, as usual, a campground cookout turned into a feast.</p> <p align="center"> It was a great afternoon that even included everyone winning</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kAEzeDefYes/U7pFy1Esy5I/AAAAAAAAR1k/g0JdDx64GU8/s1600-h/DSC_0255%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0255" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0255" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3mP9BuhBm0E/U7pFztF4XZI/AAAAAAAAR1s/yhfFlNHq9eE/DSC_0255_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">a door prize from the campground gift shop.</p> <p align="center">We soaked up a beautiful day filled with warm sunshine, but soon realized that we had also soaked up our wonderful week in Homer, and it was drawing to a close. And, I have to say, while there have been days, I was ready to move on, this was not one of them.</p> <p align="center">And, sadly on Saturday morning, we</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5w-ibBwXBr0/U7pF0WYXNDI/AAAAAAAAR10/Za_mWgBJ7OM/s1600-h/DSC_0257%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0257" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0257" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jbmSoKN8EJ4/U7pF1CmjoFI/AAAAAAAAR18/Vu8wkQ-jAp0/DSC_0257_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">put Homer in our rearview mirror and started backtracking Alaska.</p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">After a stop in Ninilchik to ship some more fish to Texas, we headed on to Soldotna. The guys thought they might get in an afternoon of fishing, but, the river was too high and too fast, and, the fish were not biting.</p> <p align="center"> So, as in the past, we made a 15 minute decision and headed out to work our way back toward Anchorage.</p> <p align="center">By early evening, we reached the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hBaeuDJfow4/U7pF1-HN3GI/AAAAAAAAR2E/wQpxXHNGCP0/s1600-h/DSC_0307%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0307" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0307" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FRbf4rmUlAE/U7pF2iwysrI/AAAAAAAAR2M/vi222OrFaMU/DSC_0307_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Girdwood area just out of Whittier and camped in the same pull out where we stayed a few weeks ago...great spot and no reservations needed!</p> <p align="center">This morning, we woke to the pitter patter of rain drops on the roof. But, by the time, we reached the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oHvhqXAVct8/U7pF3ZZsPAI/AAAAAAAAR2U/T_SFbY91IIc/s1600-h/DSC_0340%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0340" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0340" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dSs8rR4jvoA/U7pF4LL4tjI/AAAAAAAAR2c/QW3dwkngBv4/DSC_0340_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Turnagain Arm, there was a little ray of sun shining on the mountain. However, it didn't last long, and by the time we reached Sam's Club in Anchorage, the rain had set in.</p> <p align="center">Decision time again. Rich and Mary decided to stay on in Anchorage for a couple of days while Bob, Molly, Mark and I decided to do a little more backtracking. So, in the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_PleAlWtqsQ/U7pF46PeVBI/AAAAAAAAR2k/KPJdLKN0vnQ/s1600-h/DSC_0370%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0370" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0370" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kHWjr7f9x1g/U7pF5i9BFhI/AAAAAAAAR2s/WIqyhv_johU/DSC_0370_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">rain, we backtracked on to Talkeenta, a town we bypassed earlier in our journey...because of the rain!</p> <p align="center">Well, this time, we are on an adventure mission, and, we aren't letting the rain stop us. We arrived in Talkeenta around noon, found a great place to boondock at a closed up business. We made a phone call or two and headed to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b-Tx2mFXvLE/U7pF6WGAPEI/AAAAAAAAR20/ck26IwgN61A/s1600-h/DSC_0403%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0403" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0403" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9yVscAw-buE/U7pF7GamkCI/AAAAAAAAR28/VbaaAmVZ_mc/DSC_0403_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">town.</p> <p align="center"> We had time to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9UBK4qVsWCI/U7pF7y4R2NI/AAAAAAAAR3E/smGu4gUUqIw/s1600-h/DSC_0382%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0382" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0382" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zx3m-Qdp2io/U7pF8wcMgEI/AAAAAAAAR3M/b8NQhFjv-WU/DSC_0382_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">shop,</p> <p align="center">check out</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XyJglGJ7O4A/U7pF9kYFBYI/AAAAAAAAR3U/jawsIuY8zLI/s1600-h/DSC_0379%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0379" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0379" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gKn8vAPw7MM/U7pF-iEfY1I/AAAAAAAAR3c/9UCBozeAnFM/DSC_0379_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">a menu for a dinner plan, and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aab1RwbnhCs/U7pF_XNoyfI/AAAAAAAAR3k/hLFji6KUO4g/s1600-h/DSC_0390%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0390" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0390" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ErnijL6fVxM/U7pGAGB1DMI/AAAAAAAAR3s/pnYPsx0xW5o/DSC_0390_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a></p> <p align="center">find that Mark Nemeth was in town too!</p> <p align="center">Soon, it was time for our adventure with</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kcFFCAxiEPQ/U7pGA7nas6I/AAAAAAAAR30/nPBRkkCcx1E/s1600-h/DSC_0406%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0406" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0406" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dLEMxv9VWBc/U7pGB7TjDrI/AAAAAAAAR38/Ze_beWaoJsY/DSC_0406_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Talkeetna Air and our flight to see Mt. McKinley and land on a glacier. We were just about ready to board our flight, when the weather seemed to take a turn and all flights were cancelled for the rest of the day...bummer!</p> <p align="center">Tomorrow is not looking much better, so we rescheduled for Tuesday morning. So, with no flight today, we decided it was time to backtrack to town and be bummed out over dinner. And, a mighty fine plan that was. We ate at the West Rib Pub and Cafe, a place that has been featured on</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KvTT1vccZM4/U7pGCkqrGzI/AAAAAAAAR4E/YJRbh9JNzBY/s1600-h/DSC_0408%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0408" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0408" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9umqkNha0lo/U7pGDfk1ZUI/AAAAAAAAR4M/6gE0wmL05yY/DSC_0408_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">Food Network's, Man v Food, and the home of the 5 pound burger.</p> <p align="center">Although, we didn't indulge in this monster burger, we were all quite stuffed when we finished our meal.</p> <p align="center"> So a little walk around town to smell</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uQk1gTzK_sY/U7pGES0giWI/AAAAAAAAR4U/Pd2w1hZHslo/s1600-h/DSC_0414%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0414" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0414" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AzJBor7H9B0/U7pGFDGgcBI/AAAAAAAAR4c/UMUkJ57fZn4/DSC_0414_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the flowers and a drive to the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gk4mUirOnzc/U7pGF3OZyXI/AAAAAAAAR4k/WCEZQX_mNTY/s1600-h/DSC_0422%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0422" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0422" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7VMXvByJg60/U7pGGo70V1I/AAAAAAAAR4s/Njwzw9Mh4DE/DSC_0422_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">float plane harbor to watch the planes returning from their tours was a nice way to finish our day.</p> <p align="center">Now, snuggled into our rigs for the evening and listening once again to the rain on the roof, we are hoping for better weather tomorrow. Perhaps some more backtracking, or maybe a new adventure will be the agenda. While hopefully, Tuesday will bring us clearing weather and maybe sunshine, so we can take our flight to McKinley...our whole reason for backtracking to Talkeetna! </p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-30519736262323052612014-07-04T01:36:00.001-05:002014-07-04T12:07:59.951-05:00Hanging Out Around Homer!<p align="center">June 30 - July 3, 2014</p> <p align="center">Our week in Homer has passed by right in front of our eyes. We have enjoyed the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PyhTS7zkjYw/U7ZGk-vD0HI/AAAAAAAARsQ/j-RsuUnibLE/s1600-h/DSC_0065%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0065" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0065" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UQJn5pwKFSA/U7ZGlstg5bI/AAAAAAAARsY/rHdOoyC-Yzo/DSC_0065_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">Oceanview RV Park and the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ASQu4DQNFVw/U7ZGmNfOdcI/AAAAAAAARsg/gRTr74-xRSA/s1600-h/DSC_0074%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0074" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0074" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TDcbbMjRbQA/U7ZGmvt1U2I/AAAAAAAARso/AacL5na_I8g/DSC_0074_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">view it furnished.</p> <p align="center">We have spent the week just hanging out!</p> <p align="center">We have had a great time walking the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MWlMk5wDNAE/U7ZGnWEdlAI/AAAAAAAARsw/wlj5n5BPpvM/s1600-h/DSC_0346-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0346-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0346-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_oUk76QH5BM/U7ZGnwncggI/AAAAAAAARs4/o9VT2fTIDmI/DSC_0346-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">streets and shopping in the local gift stores.</p> <p align="center">There was lunch at Two Sisters Bakery and dinner at A.J.'s Steakhouse with entertainment by</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WNjQdkazDDE/U7ZGoiHRDUI/AAAAAAAARtA/MjANzbMYYYA/s1600-h/DSC_0073%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0073" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0073" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XaC4NxDbjGo/U7ZGpbrW6uI/AAAAAAAARtI/aNN21uKmvKw/DSC_0073_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">Hobo Jim. His show in song told a story of Alaska. What a great dinner and show.</p> <p align="center">The guys went fishing in the bay...and yes, they brought home King Salmon and it is now stored safely in the freezer for future dining.</p> <p align="center">The time we spent this week on The Spit has been amazing watching the tides come and go as the mighty</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BCW7_aSvYOo/U7ZGqsVabsI/AAAAAAAARtQ/hykEPZ8xNOY/s1600-h/DSC_0307-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0307-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0307-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KGia5E5IZcM/U7ZKEilISvI/AAAAAAAARtc/VzOgCmJ00sU/DSC_0307-001_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="342"></a> </p> <p align="center">eagles flew overhead while we were taking time to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B-5sv9FeuN8/U7ZKHLpR4cI/AAAAAAAARtk/4B6zZCUPpwQ/s1600-h/DSC_0341-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0341-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0341-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kOQYyxbSwNs/U7ZKQQ6hzEI/AAAAAAAARts/KB40VnmTx_k/DSC_0341-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">smell the flowers and shop at the local</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M53EmnNWiz8/U7ZKSSl1hII/AAAAAAAARt0/VaOL-PrnN-I/s1600-h/DSC_0080%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0080" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0080" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oE86Mc1Y0Cw/U7ZKUIEwsDI/AAAAAAAARt8/grRsEV2xswk/DSC_0080_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">farmer's markets.</p> <p align="center">Hanging out in Homer has given us time for strolling along the sidewalks finding great photo opts of</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6efFLhPiXSA/U7ZKVwEIoKI/AAAAAAAARuE/rBSo2RZQFvc/s1600-h/DSC_0091%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0091" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0091" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FQaKfOsA9Hk/U7ZKXxvgEUI/AAAAAAAARuM/l-D7qadO30I/DSC_0091_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the beautiful Lupines, old boats and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gpt8lsFLphg/U7ZKZlMLZ3I/AAAAAAAARuU/9Y5RUFqRxLU/s1600-h/DSC_0104%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0104" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0104" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Iy3mULjaJVw/U7ZKbaiXspI/AAAAAAAARuc/81yUgFnYM9c/DSC_0104_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">mountains that meet the sea.</p> <p align="center">But, nothing in Homer compared to the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-38Sx3r2c0mA/U7ZKc_puevI/AAAAAAAARuk/7s6xY--cEdI/s1600-h/DSC_0116%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0116" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0116" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jJoeeLf9yeM/U7ZKeoMarSI/AAAAAAAARus/6wDnxx6AUoo/DSC_0116_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">float plane trip we took tonight.</p> <p align="center">Along with Bob, Molly, Rich and Mary,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g7T5XWzjqN4/U7ZKf9bnxjI/AAAAAAAARu0/xTxLLQiHEWE/s1600-h/DSC_0122%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0122" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0122" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PdTSXGZszJM/U7ZKhq2GNUI/AAAAAAAARu8/pH3JroLozQY/DSC_0122_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Mark and I, settled into our seats for a great evening of sightseeing!</p> <p align="center">Our</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WoNHpVXjz_s/U7ZKjFop0vI/AAAAAAAARvE/Q5oN-t6_fEU/s1600-h/DSC_0195%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0195" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0195" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v0xmztqcpfQ/U7ZKle70GdI/AAAAAAAARvM/RX6SySWR-ys/DSC_0195_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">pilot took off from</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NlLUATRQ6SA/U7ZKnm0-iMI/AAAAAAAARvU/7KZn6U9KLDc/s1600-h/DSC_3728%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3728" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3728" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IrQAa6MZmrE/U7ZKpWy5Y6I/AAAAAAAARvc/S_H7wb7xYME/DSC_3728_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="300"></a> </p> <p align="center">Beluga Lake while Wallace</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uCtRo_FKnpM/U7bfIO-UAPI/AAAAAAAARzc/lSgPDPDTm0s/s1600-h/IMG_1513%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1513" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_1513" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xTdPwLCOd3E/U7bfKvVrFgI/AAAAAAAARzk/nJ2Z7XI7ijY/IMG_1513_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="297"></a> </p> <p align="center"> took pictures of our departure.</p> <p align="center">Finally in the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_LkDP_osa0I/U7bfL8rEiEI/AAAAAAAARzs/CQDYerOkBXk/s1600-h/IMG_1556%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1556" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_1556" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lzH4Xca0VtA/U7bfNmm2z_I/AAAAAAAARz0/Xmg9PFCM8sM/IMG_1556_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="303"></a> </p> <p align="center">air...we</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RN_NZRJT48o/U7ZKqjWpm6I/AAAAAAAARvk/-cqOpIVLCMs/s1600-h/DSC_0138%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0138" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0138" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-upgL_FVjpUI/U7ZKsKWZa-I/AAAAAAAARvs/eajK91rML58/DSC_0138_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="278"></a></p> <p align="center"> left the shoreline of Homer and our RV Park behind us and headed out across</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-avw1lTg94A8/U7ZKtUtpBrI/AAAAAAAARv0/Ul4iu9QRuro/s1600-h/DSC_0143%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0143" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0143" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Bq3lUrkU6BQ/U7ZKu23fIoI/AAAAAAAARv8/kO8SyidBkPY/DSC_0143_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Kachemak Bay.</p> <p align="center">We flew over</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7JFwZTqUmBo/U7ZKwr9CVHI/AAAAAAAARz8/xGyjmMc5Ne0/s1600-h/DSC_0147%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0147" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0147" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eR72S8_qBac/U7ZKx3n2CxI/AAAAAAAAR0E/woX_9yChAsQ/DSC_0147_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">small islands and coves, but none compared to the beautiful</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2YBJ1sIf8x8/U7ZKzKUVUeI/AAAAAAAARwU/fz_MfPqv4iw/s1600-h/DSC_0157%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0157" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0157" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sToRiNeH8Mg/U7ZK0h0iH1I/AAAAAAAARwc/BnVraN0L03A/DSC_0157_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="203"></a> </p> <p align="center">Halibut Cove.</p> <p align="center">Halibut Cove evolved from a lively fishing village with Herring salteries to the present day community. It is the home of unique artists and galleries connected by a boardwalk. Residents and visitors alike must take the ferry to and from Homer.</p> <p align="center">Our pilot flew on, and soon we caught our first glimpse</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QJ1Iz7rT3_Q/U7ZK159cpRI/AAAAAAAAR0M/RaSW1nBUUqI/s1600-h/DSC_0162%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0162" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0162" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Iu0FQ2Km9NQ/U7ZK3UOAAgI/AAAAAAAAR0U/zjLhqu_kwAQ/DSC_0162_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">of the Grewingk Glacier.</p> <p align="center">We flew</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aLdm06BW8kw/U7ZK4ospRNI/AAAAAAAAR0c/-5WqF4zdQLo/s1600-h/DSC_0163%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0163" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0163" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G5V8-5VtR6Q/U7ZK6AVyL5I/AAAAAAAAR0k/bNSGoxp9K70/DSC_0163_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">closer and closer until we were</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bM1OwvuVXSU/U7ZK7eh8WGI/AAAAAAAARxE/yBGhuqzK788/s1600-h/DSC_3751%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3751" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3751" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Klaz209qplc/U7ZK9Ej80yI/AAAAAAAARxM/vRutq3tuCi0/DSC_3751_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">right over it.</p> <p align="center">That is when our pilot turned and flew out over the lake,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RmTS6hyd83o/U7ZK-06YzmI/AAAAAAAARxU/bMh4BRYw3Yo/s1600-h/DSC_0197%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0197" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0197" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R_ofiFDd7ww/U7ZLAaJxoZI/AAAAAAAARxc/MDKsXDvsPfc/DSC_0197_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">landed, and took us in for an</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uGpLutRm5kY/U7ZLB3bpB1I/AAAAAAAARxk/zDWqe16cqZc/s1600-h/DSC_0196%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0196" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0196" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WNtm81X-0oA/U7ZLDjjtbBI/AAAAAAAARxs/r8YOElPfAkU/DSC_0196_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">up close look.</p> <p align="center">Once we were back in the air, the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4t3RTxJ3N0I/U7ZLFFwx3KI/AAAAAAAARx0/1rlqhA-G8oE/s1600-h/DSC_0199%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0199" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0199" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZFdmYoYMwfY/U7ZLHfXxgJI/AAAAAAAARx8/-YI0m7UZo5k/DSC_0199_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">glacier behind us, we flew over</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V8bZWwdMCQg/U7ZLKaSC1yI/AAAAAAAARyE/N-JZU7d3hN8/s1600-h/DSC_0191%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0191" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0191" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WVw9qjeMcQg/U7ZLL4dOcoI/AAAAAAAARyM/g2rt4kslZEE/DSC_0191_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">a couple of small lakes before heading back across the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9iLOfM6ORzY/U7ZLM-rQJ3I/AAAAAAAARyU/z9NnCpyM6ew/s1600-h/DSC_0216%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0216" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0216" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AJ-e1ycZ0sI/U7ZLOnZomII/AAAAAAAARyc/-e_iKs0ROcU/DSC_0216_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">bay.</p> <p align="center">We flew down the Homer</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iL0JiuG6n2s/U7ZLPoxy-JI/AAAAAAAARyk/Dt_j8JjOSMI/s1600-h/DSC_0221%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0221" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0221" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9W-N6gicWn0/U7ZLRDGTGrI/AAAAAAAARys/Pjmf5ijHMbg/DSC_0221_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">coastline and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_E2WNhnQads/U7bfZcQB9QI/AAAAAAAAR0s/Rt1k-O5FONU/s1600-h/IMG_1581%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1581" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_1581" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--wk1tzlaCY0/U7bfa8Eub0I/AAAAAAAAR00/z4FPLmlm4Hk/IMG_1581_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="297"></a> </p> <p align="center">arrived safely back on Beluga Lake.</p> <p align="center">What a great way to hang out in,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zm-I815KWKc/U7ZLV12n2kI/AAAAAAAARzE/_UWyR29q_Ig/s1600-h/DSC_0233%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0233" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0233" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oFswqMGihcE/U7ZLXOzWtFI/AAAAAAAARzM/wDlcZ382OWw/DSC_0233_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">around, and over Homer, Alaska!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-89553008351754256042014-06-30T01:18:00.001-05:002014-06-30T01:18:43.343-05:00A Great Day To Turn 65...<p align="center">June 29, 2014 </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Photo" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/p526x296/10438339_10202272970370679_5289230494092059787_n.jpg" width="240" height="214"></p> <p align="center">What a great day to celebrate my 65th birthday in Alaska.</p> <p align="center">After a leisure start to the day and a breakfast of Blueberry Waffles, we decided to take a drive. From the campground in town, we drove to the top of East Hill Road and Skyline Drive...</p> <p align="center">What a beautiful view of Homer, Kachemak Bay, and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-itZ4m3C-POc/U7EAFV2E16I/AAAAAAAARpY/0DAi48X8KTQ/s1600-h/DSC_0004%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0004" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0004" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ob7R_qFYCJQ/U7EAIOOHRYI/AAAAAAAARpg/vYV2BVBNTTw/DSC_0004_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="177"></a> </p> <p align="center">the mountains.</p> <p align="center">From this view, </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YYi_z_HHHCA/U7EAJuACSrI/AAAAAAAARpo/34BlEt5Xytw/s1600-h/DSC_0008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0008" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0008" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5_AXLwIJ4Ag/U7EALLUjnPI/AAAAAAAARpw/O4J1ZtyQizE/DSC_0008_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">you get a real perspective of the Homer Spit.</p> <p align="center">We decided to continue our drive on East End Road, making a stop at the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iTT9n2J9Wi8/U7EANxmsMSI/AAAAAAAARp4/jS42g1VzQ9Q/s1600-h/DSC_0025%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0025" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0025" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X07XlDHxuhU/U7EATDWi0SI/AAAAAAAARqA/D7ZpCQYjje0/DSC_0025_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"> Fritz Creek General Store, Post Office, and Deli. This place might merit a return trip.</p> <p align="center">As we continued on out the road, we found a great</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eH3WK_4KruQ/U7EAVIUWkXI/AAAAAAAARqI/-a5H5rXUg7M/s1600-h/DSC_0033%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0033" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0033" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rP9FBAFJRvk/U7EAXjTV4OI/AAAAAAAARqQ/RzaZszx6RrQ/DSC_0033_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">photo opt for the glaciers across the bay.</p> <p align="center">As we traveled on, we found several places where</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j6j8DDFpQeo/U7EAZuDQHiI/AAAAAAAARqY/cEmzJ_4tscU/s1600-h/DSC_0059%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0059" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0059" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wF_leDC5nE4/U7EAb7134KI/AAAAAAAARqg/k64nZhHgMjE/DSC_0059_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="368"></a> </p> <p align="center">road construction brought us to a stop. At one of these stops, while waiting on the pilot car, we learned that with the jeep we could</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-teNy2e5b27o/U7EAhYfb7aI/AAAAAAAARqo/IO9dPtyWL7U/s1600-h/DSC_0020%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0020" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0020" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sQayBS1a4hA/U7EAkf2oxpI/AAAAAAAARqw/yXtNnyt5d8s/DSC_0020_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">take the road to all the way to where the road ends. This road led us</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s3IzIj_I32I/U7EAnPSxdqI/AAAAAAAARq4/aytqdH6VsuU/s1600-h/DSC_0038%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0038" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0038" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bPVEjiS065Y/U7EArRSiSFI/AAAAAAAARrA/-tFLfrUxSgA/DSC_0038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">down, down</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XiHYfxEmvR0/U7EAtnN_JbI/AAAAAAAARrI/e9qB-dn7dqo/s1600-h/DSC_0044%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0044" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0044" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7QKKxNJhpBY/U7EAvmaRMbI/AAAAAAAARrQ/cbXKiL9eQkI/DSC_0044_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">and down...landing us on the beach at the East End of Kachemak Bay.</p> <p align="center">The only others on the road were</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O-Onr7rEQ3w/U7EAx-brP6I/AAAAAAAARrY/u3nTA7Dqi_0/s1600-h/DSC_0050%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0050" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0050" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aZt8S_N6ejU/U7EAz1hv6LI/AAAAAAAARrg/9XqFGuIhb3A/DSC_0050_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">these guys on horseback and a few ATV's!</p> <p align="center">There was a point, we thought about turning around, but, if we had, we would have missed this</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W32IkF-B46Y/U7EBJuiWylI/AAAAAAAARro/JfBNreebteA/s1600-h/DSC_3714%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3714" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3714" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R-TLu9Ymwls/U7EBL7fncsI/AAAAAAAARrw/Rtve8ztd0Es/DSC_3714_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">view from the beach at</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a1CFzxk2kKc/U7EBN30mrVI/AAAAAAAARr4/ACV69Nka20M/s1600-h/DSC_3716%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3716" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3716" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jGz9wi6ih64/U7EBP1KaoiI/AAAAAAAARsA/4LjXBww8MSM/DSC_3716_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">the end of the road!</p> <p align="center">Thanks to each of you for the birthday wishes that also made this day special. I am so blessed to call each of you friend and family.</p> <p align="center">It truly has been a great day to celebrate turning 65!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-64431965313821631472014-06-29T01:57:00.001-05:002014-06-29T01:57:10.924-05:00Homer, Alaska<p>June 26 - 28, 2014</p> <p align="center">After our day trip earlier this week to Homer, we were all anxious to make the move 30 miles down the road. Our original plans had us traveling on Thursday, but, once again the rains came and stayed with us all day. Along with the rains came temperatures that pretty much stayed in the high 40's and low 50's. We decided the best plan would be to spend another day in Ninilchik. </p> <p align="center">Yesterday, when the morning dawned with beautiful sunshine, we knew it would be a great day. Just when we thought we were ready to roll,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ha5ybB9x0Jw/U6-3tLAHxzI/AAAAAAAARjQ/jI_RIyZ9kWk/s1600-h/DSC_0172-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0172-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0172-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gYZE4JEmAoE/U6-3u-nqiKI/AAAAAAAARjY/wEW-jzw50N0/DSC_0172-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a></p> <p align="center">Molly, the Rhubarb Queen, decided we needed to pick just a little more to take with us! We certainly aren't lacking on our Vitamin C. I see a pie or two in our future!</p> <p align="center">Now...on to Homer...</p> <p align="center">The drive was uneventful and within the hour, we arrived in</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Bm0C2_42uZ4/U6-3wdeAdeI/AAAAAAAARjg/uZ_BNxr22aM/s1600-h/DSC_0192-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0192-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0192-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Wm4YqhrbJV8/U6-3yTYK28I/AAAAAAAARjo/tvG-pllDQpU/DSC_0192-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Homer a day earlier than our Oceanview RV Park reservations start. So, our plan was to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-86IkomsWA24/U6-3zpmRdRI/AAAAAAAARjw/lQi4LxmVJjo/s1600-h/DSC_0234-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0234-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0234-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ESVDJIS-iDE/U6-31LBOMoI/AAAAAAAARj4/8CeFbpqs0D4/DSC_0234-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"> head out to the Spit to stay at the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aAaH68RqtHI/U6-32fEcyFI/AAAAAAAARkA/eEWA1p1fmn0/s1600-h/DSC_0243-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0243-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0243-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UoXVi83iuiU/U6-33_-KcMI/AAAAAAAARkI/1bfhKSgjQkU/DSC_0243-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Fishing Hole Campground. This is a city park, no hook ups, but,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Gm0H5BJxKsw/U6-343H16KI/AAAAAAAARkQ/cPIPa-GPA9s/s1600-h/DSC_0245-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0245-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0245-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A0T2M45XHKk/U6-36VQoUzI/AAAAAAAARkY/ngC1_Ao9ydc/DSC_0245-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">a great view from the front window overlooking Kachemak Bay.</p> <p align="center">Once, we were settled in, we took a walk</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qLGMlSZWQQk/U6-38GsSNYI/AAAAAAAARkg/uTUsW6x5cF0/s1600-h/DSC_0269-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0269-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0269-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TscEnu8s_8M/U6-39gvVTzI/AAAAAAAARko/qNfPvHlJkT4/DSC_0269-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">to check out the little shops on the boardwalk and take a stroll by the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h9VnEUMdHQ4/U6-3_Lj0mFI/AAAAAAAARkw/6cUP68Rz52Q/s1600-h/DSC_0273-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0273-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0273-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HGrTEmkUnRA/U6-4AjR48RI/AAAAAAAARk4/NmrenO5x3-s/DSC_0273-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">harbor and before we made our way back to the campground.</p> <p align="center">Once, the tide was out, we could take a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PxFs9D5ONTI/U6-4Bwe6qJI/AAAAAAAARlA/R6ip2VTn0K4/s1600-h/DSC_0266-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0266-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0266-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I0OL8uCV41A/U6-4DeskvbI/AAAAAAAARlI/tqmGByAbpqg/DSC_0266-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"> great walk through the tide pools and down to the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1bR6CUJNUpw/U6-4E3ByW_I/AAAAAAAARlQ/GJpy6bR9Jy4/s1600-h/DSC_0260-001%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0260-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0260-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6H0DNxfbl78/U6-4GN49LoI/AAAAAAAARlY/SMvcEtmEO2w/DSC_0260-001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">rocks overlooking the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6GT6XW2QpMk/U6-4HfYPSII/AAAAAAAARlg/FUM4DprAO1o/s1600-h/DSC_0263-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0263-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0263-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yy1F0YSeJP8/U6-4IpxFM_I/AAAAAAAARlo/DubSReN1Qt4/DSC_0263-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Fishing Hole.</p> <p align="center"> Curiosity finally got the best of the guys, so they</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Kta2fDlbM98/U6-4KF8WtEI/AAAAAAAARlw/PuSCu1EdAAY/s1600-h/DSC_0279-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0279-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0279-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HE9mcQWnSGk/U6-4MQADZUI/AAAAAAAARl4/gb6fmcz1AcM/DSC_0279-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">decided to test the waters to see if the fish were biting. However, this afternoon, they only lucky fishermen seemed to be the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o3b3_xu27n4/U6-4NpPVkPI/AAAAAAAARmA/iFY4FUXVAm4/s1600-h/DSC_0285-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0285-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0285-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ijGebcddj7s/U6-4PHW5lPI/AAAAAAAARmI/1TZ7hMNiHg4/DSC_0285-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">gulls hanging out by the cleaning station and the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XVAeSZzlu0Q/U6-4QFTyZTI/AAAAAAAARmQ/ymESdCCWjDo/s1600-h/DSC_0302-001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0302-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0302-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LTI0ElaFa7E/U6-4RZKN-uI/AAAAAAAARmY/ZHyDl-ox3OA/DSC_0302-001_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="277"></a> </p> <p align="center">eagle that guards the Fishing Hole from</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vBavlfiskbI/U6-4TEsBUxI/AAAAAAAARmg/11z8Mw5Gj2U/s1600-h/DSC_0297-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0297-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0297-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rgkUP1GM58k/U6-4U5NuTcI/AAAAAAAARmo/1fStjZN_XHE/DSC_0297-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the top of the light pole in the parking lot.</p> <p align="center">During the afternoon,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LL-C5s9nI2E/U6-4V2UtxGI/AAAAAAAARmw/Ne0lTcxEcsA/s1600-h/DSC_0275-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0275-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0275-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2BcNIG-euwc/U6-4XS0SWZI/AAAAAAAARm4/rnXjdP0wDgM/DSC_0275-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">while the tide waters were in, the guys</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2lls4XEmH-w/U6-4Zs_y0aI/AAAAAAAARnA/xw3_PnMt9qQ/s1600-h/DSC_0312-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0312-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0312-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vBxYVZcwFaU/U6-4bT7Xj9I/AAAAAAAARnI/jZfB7ZVZo0o/DSC_0312-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">made their plans for a little night fishing. And, by 9:30 last night</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jx_cVbx1iWA/U6-4c7xxQ3I/AAAAAAAARnQ/m1tsJg3qnKk/s1600-h/DSC_0331-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0331-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0331-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AdaWtLFvbNw/U6-4eP65boI/AAAAAAAARnY/dy50-tbY5e0/DSC_0331-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">they were ready to try again. We all watched as the water swirled and the salmon came...but, Bob,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bi2rk_9VmPs/U6-4gDmd1qI/AAAAAAAARng/8dOnOPkTwiI/s1600-h/DSC_0318-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0318-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0318-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0_lXqCrRaHg/U6-4iHzRZiI/AAAAAAAARno/c_2f0FDBGpE/DSC_0318-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">was the only one to reel one in. And, a beautiful King Salmon it was.</p> <p align="center">All was not lost, because, it was a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9Pz5h-qkhEY/U6-4j6wdnxI/AAAAAAAARnw/ly1n9fRDk-E/s1600-h/DSC_0338-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0338-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0338-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ri4jjjQIV8A/U6-4lWNaasI/AAAAAAAARn4/-juSgvmaUJo/DSC_0338-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful night and sunset on the Homer Spit.</p> <p align="center"> And, oh, how we were wishing we hadn't made reservations in town. But, we did, and, this morning, it was time to head that way. And, once, we arrived</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wckc6PM4Yco/U6-4mjEAaHI/AAAAAAAARoA/S8uWkiUYp94/s1600-h/DSC_0350-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0350-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0350-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yEgx0hcVgHE/U6-4oLGIZtI/AAAAAAAARoI/G9NKf_cXc10/DSC_0350-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">and looked around, we decided we could live with</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-inA91RltsC4/U6-4pVsNfcI/AAAAAAAARoQ/LnP-xqlYCIg/s1600-h/DSC_0353-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0353-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0353-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rVtaaURp9BQ/U6-4rVn6PbI/AAAAAAAARoY/p57hNjyJwYQ/DSC_0353-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">this view for the week! And, as for the fishing, the guys will just have to drive to the Fishing Hole.</p> <p align="center">So, welcome to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iKFdGFIIIQ8/U6-4ss5pToI/AAAAAAAARog/Xr-xhsAoJ04/s1600-h/DSC_0349-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0349-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0349-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EWaJ9WrZWAU/U6-4uCGtOGI/AAAAAAAARoo/K8fCadYlTfo/DSC_0349-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">our Homer Adventure.</p> <p align="center">It is almost July and the fireweed has</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uxJQcVHDBYA/U6-4vBFBILI/AAAAAAAARow/ytoG9CmCb6k/s1600-h/DSC_0355-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0355-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0355-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-awQMq1zwg_Q/U6-4wspaT2I/AAAAAAAARo4/BeZ-9936ltI/DSC_0355-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center"> started to bloom.</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-17114127599136745092014-06-25T02:28:00.001-05:002014-06-25T02:28:42.276-05:00Beautiful Days...<p align="center">June 22-24, 2014</p> <p align="center">Since our soggy summer solstice day, we've dried out and enjoyed a couple of<a href="http://rvingwithpoppa.blogspot.com/"><span id="8f921fe8-a3ca-4daa-8f5a-f3e79101ddac" class="postTitle" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px"></span></p></a> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j6oc88M8aXw/U6p5As8yV2I/AAAAAAAARbo/v2fdBPcJm5Y/s1600-h/DSC_00810013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0081-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0081-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m-sUSRKIGVg/U6p5CGZN2DI/AAAAAAAARbw/kxC6hTNLhOk/DSC_0081001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">sunny days and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1spzWR-7ApA/U6p5DdnK3yI/AAAAAAAARb4/P4J5KOfIrCA/s1600-h/DSC_00800013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0080-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0080-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zWHCGOp9XXA/U6p5Ej80OgI/AAAAAAAARcA/Wo1Jg96tqLQ/DSC_0080001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful sunsets.</p> <p align="center">The guys fished the river Sunday afternoon for Salmon, without much luck. Bob caught a Red, and Rich caught a baby King that he had to throw back, but, that was about it. They said it was a pretty boring afternoon. But, to be honest, I think they like the challenge of Halibut fishing better...so,</p> <p align="center">Yesterday, they took the early boat</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-__gPJ2PypIs/U6p5Fxw7TPI/AAAAAAAARcI/zY7cnRaP9iw/s1600-h/IMG_53063.jpg"><img title="IMG_5306" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5306" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0Lcnv2yqJSM/U6p5G6tm0zI/AAAAAAAARcQ/uvXVn87faw4/IMG_5306_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">out to try their luck one more time.</p> <p align="center">Thanks to Mark Nemeth, we have verification that while</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s-j0--Q2qiU/U6p5IEwi-yI/AAAAAAAARcY/cevOlNA8cqA/s1600-h/IMG_53896.jpg"><img title="IMG_5389" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5389" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fKIb7v4zSiI/U6p5JuDcPbI/AAAAAAAARcg/IlBoFj8OsLM/IMG_5389_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">Bob,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--vdJ3pEaelw/U6p5KoMqbhI/AAAAAAAARco/_utatWdqAjY/s1600-h/IMG_53763.jpg"><img title="IMG_5376" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5376" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uyBChff6TNc/U6p5L786hRI/AAAAAAAARcw/jz383WsBDQc/IMG_5376_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">Wallace, and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZKLsbzTjmis/U6p5NFrGTKI/AAAAAAAARc4/A-5xzGSuFiY/s1600-h/IMG_53513.jpg"><img title="IMG_5351" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5351" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MGVdpHa7JMg/U6p5OfxKqmI/AAAAAAAARdA/4pTtP03nLJY/IMG_5351_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">Bennit, were busy catching Halibut, Mark, with Seth's help,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Yij9yazb7Mw/U6p5PecVnQI/AAAAAAAARdI/o-W6LFFGwgw/s1600-h/IMG_53973.jpg"><img title="IMG_5397" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5397" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ym7MWDFwa4w/U6p5Q-PwsFI/AAAAAAAARdQ/-tlpFah9gCQ/IMG_5397_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></a></p> <p align="center">was busy reeling in his</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CLfJ108TJow/U6p5SQE7B-I/AAAAAAAARdY/AHLbL4oS-jU/s1600-h/IMG_54033.jpg"><img title="IMG_5403" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5403" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tXxG9tPIiGQ/U6p5TkZN23I/AAAAAAAARdg/4iZxDxv58pY/IMG_5403_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></a> </p> <p align="center">catch of the day!</p> <p align="center">After getting this prize, which Seth was glad to keep for bait, he was able to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Dshzp0SLdbI/U6p5VLuzUnI/AAAAAAAARdo/GJ_eRM_CJIc/s1600-h/IMG_54213.jpg"><img title="IMG_5421" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5421" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R0JoMQaK7Xo/U6p5WeDevcI/AAAAAAAARdw/T49NLavK0tk/IMG_5421_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></a> </p> <p align="center">bring in this Halibut.</p> <p align="center">Not the 70 pounder from the other day, but, still a beautiful keeper!</p> <p align="center">Thanks Mark, for sharing this side of the trip, and by the way, looks like</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K4JKJPKUmDc/U6p5XtyCAeI/AAAAAAAARd4/wWTOt3WVUw4/s1600-h/IMG_53803.jpg"><img title="IMG_5380" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5380" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4XV0tbghW3Q/U6p5Yi3ZHRI/AAAAAAAAReA/0v_2dOhaU-0/IMG_5380_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="334"></a> </p> <p align="center">you have a keeper too!</p> <p align="center">And, when all was said and done and they returned to camp. They were</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qprDcPXcydg/U6p5aK6Vo2I/AAAAAAAAReI/aLeqFyI5X6o/s1600-h/DSC_00490013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0049-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0049-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yDM4yvgUzPE/U6p5bjBc2yI/AAAAAAAAReQ/ZaaKc-D3THg/DSC_0049001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">pretty satisfied with the day!</p> <p align="center">Great job guys...and, thanks one more time</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WiK78f6iCR4/U6p5dAFg0sI/AAAAAAAAReY/Mf-5QMos1pM/s1600-h/DSC_00650013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0065-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0065-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Eo2tDxGMJOQ/U6p5eiAOvLI/AAAAAAAAReg/YlDkoUddVhM/DSC_0065001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">for providing dinner!</p> <p align="center">In addition to the Halibut that was</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mf_6h_rD2rM/U6p5f6uBvNI/AAAAAAAAReo/wXt3Peg0VR8/s1600-h/DSC_00630013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0063-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0063-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ySpCuQ9VGF8/U6p5hSDNE9I/AAAAAAAARew/k-iNzd36LvQ/DSC_0063001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">fried to perfection, we tried a new dish...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZHBOzM7JBHQ/U6p5i5Y1wtI/AAAAAAAARe4/tQ4_ngHxZHg/s1600-h/DSC_00620013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0062-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0062-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B1WZgK6QWQA/U6p5kHWx47I/AAAAAAAARfA/EGd6eMxRgbk/DSC_0062001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Poor Man's Lobster....which is Halibut boiled in sugar and salt water, covered with butter and sprinkled with Old Bay! It was mighty fine eating!</p> <p align="center">Both served along side Bea's</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sslp4LiVopg/U6p5lb_nEiI/AAAAAAAARfI/_7rBE_X1_wY/s1600-h/DSC_00600013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0060-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0060-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nxUGdJ5ZgqM/U6p5ntWI17I/AAAAAAAARfQ/7M9UmRb7V5w/DSC_0060001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">jalapeño cornbread made another great meal.</p> <p align="center">But, after a meal like this, you have to take a walk. And, just across the road from our rv park, Ninilchik offers not only a great place to walk, it also offers</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-izeDZwP0-dI/U6p5ouvo1mI/AAAAAAAARfY/efJvkVTVRCQ/s1600-h/DSC_00710013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0071-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0071-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BsSxk_GIUmI/U6p5pzoQlvI/AAAAAAAARfg/ITpohLfOZCo/DSC_0071001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">some beautiful</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nhDyoi9bc00/U6p5qxmGvEI/AAAAAAAARfo/4QcKyIy9nXo/s1600-h/DSC_00680014.jpg"><img title="DSC_0068-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0068-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UEDzgx0RQds/U6p5r0la3HI/AAAAAAAARfw/NqLq-YjOrk4/DSC_0068001_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="242"></a> </p> <p align="center">views...even at 10:00 p.m.</p> <p align="center">These boats are waiting for the tide to come in so they can get into the small harbor.</p> <p align="center">A beautiful evening in Ninilichik and Cook's Inlet.</p> <p align="center">This morning started out on the lazy side. Since the guys are giving the fish a rest for the day, we decided to take a drive.</p> <p align="center"> We made a stop at our favorite spot at</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hRoAed0ltaA/U6p5tBV6HYI/AAAAAAAARf4/xxb-4sLmTbs/s1600-h/DSC_00990013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0099-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0099-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xPz76PwRrBc/U6p5uWyDQsI/AAAAAAAARgA/p1Kt6G2EqUM/DSC_0099001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Deep Creek, where we had a clear view of the volcano, Redoubt.</p> <p align="center"> A closer looked</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s4zv0CIaZqE/U6p5vHWww4I/AAAAAAAARgI/4gTp1EtZzes/s1600-h/DSC_00920013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0092-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0092-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SX_dXrQNTh4/U6p5wL1HdKI/AAAAAAAARgQ/NGup4ihI2MM/DSC_0092001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">shows it venting.</p> <p align="center">Since we were given such a beautiful day, we decided to drive on to Anchor Point, where we found</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hP3R43pyr6Y/U6p5xkwDlAI/AAAAAAAARgY/efAjBFd6OI8/s1600-h/DSC_01180013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0118-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0118-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WMV8wUVg6GU/U6p5y_34jrI/AAAAAAAARgg/AOKWBXuBy5s/DSC_0118001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">verification that we reached the Most Westerly Highway in North America.</p> <p align="center">From here, we were able to see and identify</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mnTLEKj4Oac/U6p50EymNyI/AAAAAAAARgo/9eXcR01lgBQ/s1600-h/DSC_01220012.jpg"><img title="DSC_0122-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0122-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1Mjy8ZdZIzQ/U6p51HOEgmI/AAAAAAAARgw/ceQFx7v-Hgg/DSC_0122001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eP8PSzVzCmQ/U6p511ZAMQI/AAAAAAAARg4/QL-x1EZmYpM/s1600-h/DSC_01240012.jpg"><img title="DSC_0124-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0124-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CSLzafnTMbw/U6p52_g82OI/AAAAAAAARhA/dPChJGh5wuM/DSC_0124001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pF8q0KER0xE/U6p54PZiTGI/AAAAAAAARhI/RfxrMna8ih8/s1600-h/DSC_01250013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0125-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0125-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IcnUZ4G2uME/U6p55UFJXdI/AAAAAAAARhQ/oqvSN_y4qig/DSC_0125001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">lliamna and Augustine Volcanoes, which make up part of The Pacific Ring of Fire.</p> <p align="center">While, we enjoyed watching</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qaIQNpb6C1w/U6p56kyR_2I/AAAAAAAARhY/F0ll0OkRNbw/s1600-h/DSC_01140013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0114-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0114-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N2fVk9uYScc/U6p57hfkkQI/AAAAAAAARhg/Hc5x8Fv5V6c/DSC_0114001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the tractors bring in the fishing boats, the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fvq3SxiOusQ/U6p58y8juOI/AAAAAAAARho/iJr0qD_Zfxw/s1600-h/DSC_01390015.jpg"><img title="DSC_0139-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0139-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OVUTb0FdfrM/U6p5-Qh3wWI/AAAAAAAARhw/kSGcuyAa-nw/DSC_0139001_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="344"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">eagles were doing a little fishing of their own! The poor gulls didn't have a chance.</p> <p align="center">We decided it was time to find some lunch of our own, so we headed on down the road to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bWSpO_DeZdw/U6p5_pmUj6I/AAAAAAAARh4/Zu4v_8Uryzk/s1600-h/DSC_01670013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0167-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0167-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sZnqU57wsHg/U6p6BBbBDkI/AAAAAAAARiA/5MZYhuYdHQk/DSC_0167001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Homer.</p> <p align="center">However, lunch would have to wait just a little while, because, we found this</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1X0EeiH4kgg/U6p6DMVCcxI/AAAAAAAARiI/ByEcIuNrugM/s1600-h/DSC_01630013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0163-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0163-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KM8KmNDv6g4/U6p6ETFFtvI/AAAAAAAARiQ/0Knd_rvJW3E/DSC_0163001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">beautiful overlook, where Cook's Inlet and The Kachemak Bay meet...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lofgfSdjB0w/U6p6FkpTDCI/AAAAAAAARiY/aNBD_ZfWDQI/s1600-h/DSC_01460013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0146-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0146-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DPI8UURIIOs/U6p6G55OwvI/AAAAAAAARig/S0tC8Aik0yc/DSC_0146001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">breathtaking!</p> <p align="center">Finally making our way into Homer. We made a quick drive through the Oceanview RV Park, where we will be staying when we leave Ninilchik. Then, it was on to lunch at Two Sisters Bakery. We enjoyed soup, sandwiches, and savory pastries...of course, we had to try the sweet ones too! I am sure this will be revisited during our stay in Homer!</p> <p align="center">Afterwards, we made the drive on out to the Spit. We found a great place to boondock right on the beach for a couple of days prior to going to the RV Park. Hope the rest of the gang likes the plan.</p> <p align="center">Once we made it to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LxqiGEn-nyU/U6p6IBQj5bI/AAAAAAAARio/IFo9Q_RsmZs/s1600-h/DSC_01710013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0171-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0171-001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0QO6J0_RHfg/U6p6Ju5ZbBI/AAAAAAAARiw/TsYGBqtYQW0/DSC_0171001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Land's End, it was time for us to turn around and head back home. After our day in Homer, we are looking forward to a new adventure starting in a few days.</p> <p align="center"> I think it might be promising!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-83111556805402681312014-06-22T02:07:00.001-05:002014-06-22T02:07:59.767-05:00A Soggy and Chilly Summer Solstice...<p align="center">June 21, 2014</p> <p align="center"><img title="summer solstice summer solstice local time summer solstice time 16" alt="summer solstice summer solstice local time summer solstice time 16" src="https://sp3.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.608017840025896051&pid=15.1" width="440" height="295"></p> <p align="center">The summer solstice occurs when the tilt of a planet’s semi-axis, in either the northern or the southern hemisphere, is most inclined toward the star (sun) that it orbits. Earth’s maximum axial tilt toward the sun is 23° 26′. This happens twice each year, at which times the sun reaches its highest position in the sky as seen from the north or the south pole. The summer solstice occurs during a hemisphere’s summer. <p align="center">Well, so, they say, but today, here in Ninilchik, Alaska, we are not sure that this day was fit to be called the first day of summer. We woke to a steady rain and <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5RQ_00gciAo/U6aAa38SV2I/AAAAAAAARZw/KJHhU6EO5pE/s1600-h/DSC_0011-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0011-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0011-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q0tnnwyMO9k/U6aAcZlA0SI/AAAAAAAARZ4/umL8uGoKV8c/DSC_0011-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">absolutely no sunshine! <p align="center">By noon we made up our minds that the wet weather would not dampen our day. Wanting to get out of the motor home, we decided to go look for the eagles. <p align="center"> At least they <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u5LCpD3IdHA/U6aAeguVK-I/AAAAAAAARaA/pVWddLsHT40/s1600-h/DSC_3666%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3666" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3666" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hn9DSfpXK9Q/U6aAg5ml2fI/AAAAAAAARaI/mwWo3Ze_iho/DSC_3666_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="304"></a> </p> <p align="center">did not disappoint us. They entertained us for <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2_FsDka_wms/U6aAhydji6I/AAAAAAAARaQ/ouB5tdN07cY/s1600-h/DSC_0007-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0007-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0007-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D-bfbkQar7M/U6aAjDsd7SI/AAAAAAAARaY/0MZGHbcmFVc/DSC_0007-001_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="276"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">for quite awhile flying high in the sky and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tT0IZSY7-bo/U6aAlUl2uII/AAAAAAAARag/J1M90M1qnno/s1600-h/DSC_0003-001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0003-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0003-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CunznnIV-sk/U6aAnoALLHI/AAAAAAAARao/zI0fz9mvoLY/DSC_0003-001_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="380"></a> .</p> <p align="center">perching on the hillside across the river.</p> <p align="center">We even saw these two</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GpibZrGI1zg/U6aAp_FJYhI/AAAAAAAARaw/5P2F65lPb1w/s1600-h/DSC_3683%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3683" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3683" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oCb-KftVbKs/U6aAsatq74I/AAAAAAAARa4/qV-PeN_tEoo/DSC_3683_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">in a stand off to see who was going to get the fish! I am pretty sure the eagle won.</p> <p align="center">We lingered along the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e6GTT9qkXo4/U6aAuNx3P3I/AAAAAAAARbA/Qfk7onl1zPs/s1600-h/DSC_0013-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0013-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0013-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CMNU8MF9WOc/U6aAvmFTPAI/AAAAAAAARbI/H-mD-kxaa8Y/DSC_0013-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beach thinking...the rain has stopped...so the sun should follow! But, it just didn't happen. In fact the temperatures stayed in the low 50's all day and the clouds hung low...that is not what I consider the first day of summer!</p> <p align="center">So, I am thinking this day was</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2c5X44Ea9Ag/U6aAxUu_PtI/AAAAAAAARbQ/2Hr59WFguAs/s1600-h/DSC_0021-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0021-001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0021-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5cQLX6-p3KA/U6aAze_1wVI/AAAAAAAARbY/COeeoEMUYk4/DSC_0021-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">was one for the birds!</p> <p align="center">But, even with the rain and no sign of the sun, we think it was still an awesome day. Because, while we were out with the birds, Mark Nemeth was back at the campground, making us a batch of his famous shrimp and chicken gumbo topped off with Wanda's potato salad, followed by Bea's pineapple pudding.</p> <p align="center"> No better way to warm us up on this soggy and chilly Summer Solstice 2014.</p> <p align="center">Welcome to summer...Hope yours is a good one!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-69881719747847565892014-06-21T01:32:00.001-05:002014-06-21T01:32:16.395-05:00A True Fish Story...<p align="center">June 20, 2014</p> <p align="center">Yesterday, we pulled up stakes at the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fV3_gnuNCeI/U6UlxDE80LI/AAAAAAAARS4/vaIABJM4hv4/s1600-h/DSC_08574.jpg"><img title="DSC_0857" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0857" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cEpsxI2AgV0/U6UlyTrp7BI/AAAAAAAARTA/T0lDIi_ct4c/DSC_0857_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="265"></a> </p> <p align="center">Fred Myers in Soldotna where we had been camped </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ewHALm457Co/U6UlzrAFhuI/AAAAAAAARTI/XjT6wCMCOk0/s1600-h/DSC_08553.jpg"><img title="DSC_0855" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0855" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Oy05PwyXf7k/U6Ul0yF76ZI/AAAAAAAARTQ/k-_8LCghR3o/DSC_0855_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">for 2 days. Thanks Fred Myers for allowing us to use your parking area. Great spot to park, and we got to shop too!</p> <p align="center">However, after a couple of days, it was time for us to move to our reservations down the road.</p> <p align="center">And, a big travel day it was...not! We only had 40 miles total to Ninilchik, our new</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Gj0h_qcG6z8/U6Ul2BPyWdI/AAAAAAAARTY/OEgQr_MYpAI/s1600-h/DSC_08783.jpg"><img title="DSC_0878" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0878" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ujqghih-U_Q/U6Ul3dNvPaI/AAAAAAAARTg/zHG5SO0zN1Y/DSC_0878_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">home for the next week.</p> <p align="center">We arrived at the Alaskan Angler RV Park</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vrja1PVKpo4/U6Ul4t-U8MI/AAAAAAAARTo/2yOJ0LgRRRk/s1600-h/DSC_08813.jpg"><img title="DSC_0881" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0881" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MbS71P6zWtI/U6Ul54XPwfI/AAAAAAAARTw/BgO2-76hSns/DSC_0881_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">where we are set up with full hook-ups, 50amp service, WiFi, and a laundry. And, not a bad deal for Alaska camping. It is a Passport America park, so we got 3 days at that rate and 4 days at Good Sam's rate. And, since we are going to be here for a week, it is nice to have all the amenities of a full hook up site, but, I have to admit that I have been enjoying our parking lot and pull off style of camping.</p> <p align="center">We have reconnected with Wallace, Wanda, Bennit, and Bea. It is nice for all of us to be</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Nr8MFFXzHdo/U6Ul7PktdCI/AAAAAAAART4/Cg3YBq2HqIQ/s1600-h/DSC_08843.jpg"><img title="DSC_0884" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0884" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X98yrgGlfDA/U6Ul8RYRE1I/AAAAAAAARUA/axClCoWRbNE/DSC_0884_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">together again! We even picked up Mark Nemeth. What a great evening we had with good food, great friends, and, lot of chatter and laughter.</p> <p align="center">A prefect end to the day.</p> <p align="center">Today could not have dawned any better! The sun was shining and there was no wind at all! And, the guys knew they had chosen the right day to go fishing. They had the charter booked and they were ready. They are going with Afishunt which is based right here at our campground.</p> <p align="center">Thank goodness, because they</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B86IYLZa78s/U6Ul9r1dh0I/AAAAAAAARUI/MhK1_kqY0og/s1600-h/DSC_0892%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0892" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0892" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PKMp6lVhSxI/U6Ul-2ZoH_I/AAAAAAAARUQ/Wb5roovQdQQ/DSC_0892_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">couldn't get the boat ready fast enough for these guys.</p> <p align="center">Once, the boat was ready, fishing license checked,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AMkY-mnlAtM/U6UmAeai7JI/AAAAAAAARUY/ipP4lVGkp0k/s1600-h/DSC_0897%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0897" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0897" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YKddoyVx5wA/U6UmB9mfASI/AAAAAAAARUg/f_nLSRa5x_I/DSC_0897_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">and the last minute instructions given, they</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lJM_HEG9KBY/U6UmDHm7m-I/AAAAAAAARUo/nvpyrDJjgUY/s1600-h/DSC_0904%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0904" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0904" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KwX5iPOOwSo/U6UmEY6zkvI/AAAAAAAARUw/-FsMne10xUs/DSC_0904_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">were off to Deep Creek.</p> <p align="center">And, when it was their turn, the tractor</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cwpZ-KY8NVM/U6UmFWZTIUI/AAAAAAAARU4/T_W8YNOef8k/s1600-h/DSC_0909%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0909" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0909" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4crYbck591M/U6UmKVkc9OI/AAAAAAAARVA/TZDMC3YxD_M/DSC_0909_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">hooked on to the boat trailer,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JM01QWWiTE0/U6UmLotKJJI/AAAAAAAARVI/8YrUpChR-J4/s1600-h/DSC_0912%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0912" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0912" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f9H41s-1UXE/U6UmM1QUfhI/AAAAAAAARVQ/XdVWsVPTSv0/DSC_0912_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">backed into the water, released the boat, and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qgdJUUWVDmY/U6UmOMsR5iI/AAAAAAAARVY/HM6vvMYBLAg/s1600-h/DSC_0913%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0913" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0913" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_NMVFoxZ7As/U6UmPRaOpFI/AAAAAAAARVg/4dqJhhn_zLw/DSC_0913_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">they were</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LdKcMeaUwGY/U6UmQtcPU5I/AAAAAAAARVo/vDKkTUrZkso/s1600-h/DSC_0915%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0915" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0915" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LoLgzJBm0lY/U6UmR1oYFqI/AAAAAAAARVw/VQZ7MCSX0bE/DSC_0915_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">off. Good luck guys!</p> <p align="center">Molly and I had followed the guys to Deep Creek, so we could get these great pictures. But, before we returned to the campground, we decided to do a little exploring on our own. At the end of the parking lot, along the waterfront, is a campground...dry camping only. But, just beyond the campground, is a creek, and this is where we found</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AWogRNT39o4/U6UmTTzY9uI/AAAAAAAARV4/bYjVI7OHqU0/s1600-h/DSC_0923%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0923" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0923" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4X3r05q2TDU/U6UmU-BCKWI/AAAAAAAARWA/c4I-jvTRpfA/DSC_0923_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="314"></a> </p> <p align="center">photo opt after</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-141vALatd4Q/U6UmWKN0VgI/AAAAAAAARWI/qGOdOf1-wNA/s1600-h/DSC_09403.jpg"><img title="DSC_0940" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0940" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ulXmYBZofCg/U6UmXdl9caI/AAAAAAAARWQ/LajBvfnOgrg/DSC_0940_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">photo opt, after</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0UOI2IiMM1g/U6UmY_R3mLI/AAAAAAAARWY/5lMcegaz50I/s1600-h/DSC_09344.jpg"><img title="DSC_0934" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0934" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YVJOHThjVns/U6UmablMQuI/AAAAAAAARWg/0Feel2GdypQ/DSC_0934_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="335"></a> </p> <p align="center">photo opt!</p> <p align="center">Such beauty, the Bald Eagle!</p> <p align="center">Then, it was back to campground. With all the guys off fishing, we decided it would be a good day to get a few chores done. The day passed quickly, and soon it was time to head back to Deep Creek to wait for the boat to return with our guys, and hopefully some fish!</p> <p align="center">And, just like this morning, the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zFOLhDej154/U6Umbqne2bI/AAAAAAAARWo/DNzzt00Uihg/s1600-h/DSC_0952%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0952" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0952" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0s91GarG9SQ/U6UmdGE56JI/AAAAAAAARWw/JDeiINCMJoc/DSC_0952_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">tractor backed into the water, and Seth</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3JjjevVbQ6Y/U6UmeaYXVkI/AAAAAAAARW4/XtJEABcYFMo/s1600-h/DSC_0954%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0954" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0954" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Hy17XrRkmkA/U6Umf7cTt6I/AAAAAAAARXA/JBR7qcGFMj8/DSC_0954_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">drove the boat right onto the trailer, and it was</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f_fnu3RCTQc/U6UmhSQ-VnI/AAAAAAAARXI/xXXYOQNrHAo/s1600-h/DSC_0958%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0958" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0958" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uq9TBHgKfBw/U6UmijiHY9I/AAAAAAAARXQ/fll0XQn8sEs/DSC_0958_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">hauled ashore, where the guys had a real fish story to tell!</p> <p align="center">But, it was still a secret to us, and it wasn't until the boat returned to the campground and the fish were unloaded</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eyN9AN4Hu-0/U6UmkA9jfAI/AAAAAAAARXY/t8G1UJ6bcu4/s1600-h/DSC_0978%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0978" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0978" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7LlYle_r7P4/U6UmlpneaQI/AAAAAAAARXg/i6dgijRc3jE/DSC_0978_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">measured and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wWgqGdCKuRc/U6UmnJG5iVI/AAAAAAAARXo/kBJVZ0frA8o/s1600-h/DSC_09713.jpg"><img title="DSC_0971" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0971" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GV4vvAsGI6s/U6Umos33F5I/AAAAAAAARXw/umiVW1gCurI/DSC_0971_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">hung with care, that we knew their day had been priceless!</p> <p align="center">Bob and my Mark</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jh9UHJWOS6Q/U6UmqJ1MLMI/AAAAAAAARX4/DgY9i5DxERo/s1600-h/DSC_09753.jpg"><img title="DSC_0975" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0975" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j8jGAETI3gA/U6UmrmDlUnI/AAAAAAAARYA/oDgHm4sDYTY/DSC_0975_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">were the big winners for the day. Bob's fish weighed in at over 80 lbs and Mark's over 70! All, together, all the guys brought in somewhere around 400 pounds of Halibut!</p> <p align="center">As soon as the picture taking session was complete, Seth,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VNGYJx1d7Qc/U6Umsws9kFI/AAAAAAAARYI/BUvq5e_9Q1c/s1600-h/DSC_0982%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0982" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0982" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RELbm65QbsQ/U6UmtxI803I/AAAAAAAARYQ/u8A6_Xy1_bY/DSC_0982_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">wasted no time filleting this big guy! And, when he was finished, we had</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X71BBJZlGvY/U6Umu-61pNI/AAAAAAAARYY/MFFgsAWSFk4/s1600-h/DSC_0985%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0985" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0985" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WpN-8suNc3k/U6UmwBTHYNI/AAAAAAAARYg/vCvhJ98CC8M/DSC_0985_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">a bucket full of halibut, ready to be</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AJhdohApr4A/U6Umxo6JqGI/AAAAAAAARYo/BreYHJNOeIQ/s1600-h/DSC_0989%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0989" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0989" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Col4LpOSqrE/U6Umy4KjRhI/AAAAAAAARYw/TApR_jZ2B8c/DSC_0989_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">bagged, vacuum sealed, flash frozen, and waiting for a ticket to Texas!</p> <p align="center">We did however, keep just a few pieces out, so our cooks Mark Nemeth and Wallace</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fFDLkNcZmMU/U6Um0ZEtOEI/AAAAAAAARY4/HN5Ljy5MYZY/s1600-h/DSC_0992%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0992" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0992" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrXL03e_lDbIIBq3DhW4bFMTZn89AH8QDYYl9Rg4lRooHBtBCvgW2T84yqSRIe6w9E4XMne_nF9ZI4zVvL-YMECLzD2lqKofg8Co2zcbGZMMb7MVXE5raE-yTISLLS-xPN2__flSSZZG-/?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">could show off their cooking skills. And, so, our</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cNEE36G1RIE/U6Um3FpirqI/AAAAAAAARZI/ENV6OxaDZ1I/s1600-h/DSC_0991%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0991" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0991" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4UmfG2QIIFk/U6Um4UjW9ZI/AAAAAAAARZQ/gik0RXh-r7o/DSC_0991_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">true fish story would have a great ending on</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AwEhSWPC__0/U6Um5y0arAI/AAAAAAAARZY/kmwAjEaZcDQ/s1600-h/DSC_0994%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0994" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0994" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lAvoNwdzVME/U6Um7ZlqanI/AAAAAAAARZg/FEHsLW4daEQ/DSC_0994_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">our supper table!</p> <p align="center">Wishing you all could have been here to enjoy the real fish story!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-48784707339941123102014-06-18T22:24:00.001-05:002014-06-18T22:24:33.815-05:00Soldotna and Kenai...<p align="center">June 17, 2014</p> <p align="center">Today, we left our</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--eVkIhgBT1Q/U6JWOjug9tI/AAAAAAAARLA/6yqOjrClGOQ/s1600-h/DSC_0476%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0476" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0476" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1snXWyKfZiU/U6JWQZgBiTI/AAAAAAAARLI/ZxkiMjs9q_Y/DSC_0476_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">waterfront campground in Seward where</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_Jk8gH3BP0U/U6JWR8hphRI/AAAAAAAARLQ/zLyg78WDlxg/s1600-h/DSC_0518%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0518" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0518" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mK3JjjAPPVI/U6JWTrtodzI/AAAAAAAARLY/0XyizxuzK4c/DSC_0518_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the lilacs were in full bloom.</p> <p align="center">We backtracked up the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jSTVaeEHKTc/U6JWVUxHb1I/AAAAAAAARLg/rjCZASZ4TFU/s1600-h/DSC_0757%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0757" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0757" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cy3gA0rsSBQ/U6JWXN6XsgI/AAAAAAAARLo/mZg5qvmrplE/DSC_0757_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Seward Highway leaving</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aUrdlo2bsmA/U6JWagQ2SjI/AAAAAAAARLw/ePJB5Jjp4ao/s1600-h/DSC_0744%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0744" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0744" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VZeFtKWGF0Y/U6JWcTDHslI/AAAAAAAARL4/MaCQeU9FHJw/DSC_0744_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the mountains behind us.</p> <p align="center">About 40 miles up the road we left the Seward Highway and picked up the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v6pEj3gqQKo/U6JWejE9NLI/AAAAAAAARMA/lZ97tDdhqdw/s1600-h/DSC_0769%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0769" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0769" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ka5yYRhvl6M/U6JWhE7nJPI/AAAAAAAARMI/72uMQlDkHxE/DSC_0769_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Sterling Highway to Soldotna. For most of the way, the road was narrow and twisty, with lots of construction. Thankfully, it was</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5-aFF0raQC0/U6JWiSD9a2I/AAAAAAAARMQ/t4DQO3n_gH4/s1600-h/DSC_0753%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0753" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0753" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9iitam9MKXM/U6JWkFV68gI/AAAAAAAARMY/8QGOYlHRYzU/DSC_0753_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful drive!</p> <p align="center">We arrived in Soldotna and found a great place to park at Camp Fred Meyers. After a stroll around the store, checking out groceries, souvenirs, etc. the guys were ready to head for</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1EwfVPWUM0E/U6JWmBC0shI/AAAAAAAARMg/tK5bgH7sUTM/s1600-h/DSC_0771%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0771" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0771" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QLBRmovWtjY/U6JWopZhtqI/AAAAAAAARMo/Mlvl5sbNrVE/DSC_0771_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">The Moose is Loose Bakery. And, not one of us could resist</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6TMP8gSWtx8/U6JWqaYp6II/AAAAAAAARMw/3b0Vw3cZalU/s1600-h/DSC_0772%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0772" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0772" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-29UQIc6ljAA/U6JWsGIrPcI/AAAAAAAARM4/UNhhjEnhx1s/DSC_0772_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">a goodie from this selection of donuts and pastries.</p> <p align="center">The apple fritters were to die for!</p> <p align="center">Okay, let's go walk off those calories and no better place than the local</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XDvfDv5rht4/U6JWtl49HsI/AAAAAAAARNA/M9B9kd3WBY0/s1600-h/DSC_0773%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0773" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0773" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jVElIYCr3DQ/U6JWvG8mn6I/AAAAAAAARNI/YojQHTkWnt4/DSC_0773_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">hardware and fishing store. While the guys were learning about fishing in the area, Molly, Mary, and I found a great cast iron pie pan. It will be just right for cornbread and maybe a pie too!</p> <p align="center">From here, we decided to drive out the Kenai Spur, to get an idea of what was in and around town. We headed out to check out a fishing spot Rod Kendall told us about, but, we got caught in some heavy rain and it hailed on us twice before we could get back to Fred Meyers. We considered the trip a washout and headed back to the rigs, finding</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bWGjjv1THXY/U6JWwvXJ1pI/AAAAAAAARNQ/T5E9B-_U8OE/s1600-h/DSC_0779%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0779" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0779" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XNHkNmsx0rs/U6JWymLgDLI/AAAAAAAARNY/AZ-xhXEaAlg/DSC_0779_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">evidence that the rain and hail had beat us back.</p> <p align="center">Sounds like a good afternoon for a nap.</p> <p align="center">I read about what was suppose to be a good wildlife loop in the area. So, after dinner, we along with Bob and Molly, headed out to see if we could find moose or caribou. We drove around several of the suggested areas, but, didn't find and thing. We did, however, come across this</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lobS1TZDzl0/U6JWzhbhffI/AAAAAAAARNg/MLXwCTnSovc/s1600-h/DSC_0796%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0796" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0796" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O_cnf6YpbH4/U6JW1KT9P-I/AAAAAAAARNo/4YTWZjpKGZ8/DSC_0796_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">viewing area, where got a gorgeous view of Mt. Redoubt Volcano. What a beautiful</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SDgkcIhEUFA/U6JW2jBOkRI/AAAAAAAARNw/K7bbB284z4M/s1600-h/DSC_0800%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0800" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h7cxZNgGTsw/U6JW5DF0CMI/AAAAAAAARN4/yhDE_CnCytc/DSC_0800_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">sunset out across the water.</p> <p align="center">Because, it stays light 21 hours a day, the wildlife if late coming out. But, finally, around 10:00 as we were deciding to head home, Bob, caught a glimpse of</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dBOgHJOsAgU/U6JW62_ZWRI/AAAAAAAAROA/o8hxik1zbOI/s1600-h/DSC_0791%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0791" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0791" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zcRM_B4t-GA/U6JW9AzGD1I/AAAAAAAAROI/RzXg_Bz2shY/DSC_0791_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="301"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">this momma and baby out for an evening stroll. Baby wasn't too sure of us and wanted to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1C4VLTYnTlk/U6JW-usSppI/AAAAAAAAROQ/t0nTMBZZwEQ/s1600-h/DSC_0793%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0793" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0793" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mG2HpGUAvAc/U6JXAWDBqyI/AAAAAAAAROY/_IDtrcA2IN0/DSC_0793_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">to catch up with momma before she darted behind the trees.</p> <p align="center">On down the road, we found this</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ndPA3RHHH6g/U6JXCPs1naI/AAAAAAAAROg/oe2pudMrcbc/s1600-h/DSC_0804%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0804" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0804" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZM0Ou3p60cU/U6JXDxrqckI/AAAAAAAAROo/5RRKjuXVfUk/DSC_0804_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">guy feeding right along the highway. Well, the sign did read...Watch out for moose on the highway!</p> <p align="center">I think we rounded out this day!</p> <p align="center">June 18, 2014</p> <p align="center">This morning, we planned to resume our sightseeing, that was cut short yesterday by the rain. After breakfast, we drove into Old Town Kenai to look for the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oJ2NhTev2vg/U6JXFwA9I4I/AAAAAAAAROw/9IusJazgCdg/s1600-h/DSC_0806%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0806" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0806" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3r5wEloUfPM/U6JXHrgLT8I/AAAAAAAARO4/b6_Gqz7irx4/DSC_0806_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Old Russian Orthodox Church and Parish House Rectory. The Rectory was constructed in 1881, and is the oldest building on the Kenai Peninsula. It still remains the home of the priest who serve in this area. The church is the oldest in Alaska and is now a National Historical Landmark.</p> <p align="center">We also found this</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZN_NjXVW3hQ/U6JXJTNFczI/AAAAAAAARPA/LWZHxgw_8rY/s1600-h/DSC_0809%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0809" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0809" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y8JhoiAPzRY/U6JXLOEjIXI/AAAAAAAARPI/RHJkcbmRSNc/DSC_0809_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">old building...guess it could be considered a fixer upper!</p> <p align="center">From high on the hillside, you could see Cook's Inlet...so, we figured out how to get down to the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LIkjxMxJN1A/U6JXM7R3gbI/AAAAAAAARPQ/ATGG1edwgb4/s1600-h/DSC_0823%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0823" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0823" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0M54ceHOPbQ/U6JXPAFZfTI/AAAAAAAARPY/4JSXrQUiCr0/DSC_0823_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beach, so I could write in the sand and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gMmN9y5csG0/U6JXQuj_4LI/AAAAAAAARPg/EUoCPj4VBiM/s1600-h/DSC_0824%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0824" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0824" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GqTLSY0iZNs/U6JXSv8xs9I/AAAAAAAARPo/Oay6zgjC7zw/DSC_0824_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">put my toes in the water! This one is for you Jim Meacham...wishing you were here too!</p> <p align="center">On down the road, we found this</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d5uaMXoZALY/U6JXUiLLSVI/AAAAAAAARPw/25N_rifC7ok/s1600-h/DSC_0827%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0827" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0827" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_5fj-t0sQr4/U6JXWY2ywBI/AAAAAAAARP4/FgykyzreNtg/DSC_0827_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Fish Market and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s4UKYTm683w/U6JXYK0Rh1I/AAAAAAAARQA/73W3VoIIYms/s1600-h/DSC_0828%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0828" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0828" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-knsHXS2sghY/U6JXZmni1VI/AAAAAAAARQI/wBX4-zLAwrk/DSC_0828_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">processing plant.</p> <p align="center">Mary is wishing she could</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wDd4CxMBtSo/U6JXbVj390I/AAAAAAAARQQ/3Sm1T2yz6wU/s1600-h/DSC_0831%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0831" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0831" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Gfzaa7c50hE/U6JXc6iyPKI/AAAAAAAARQY/qobpSNDS5No/DSC_0831_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">get in there to help them...or not!</p> <p align="center">The salmon industry is a very interesting and amazing operation!</p> <p align="center">Next, we decided to complete our drive on the Kalifornsky Beach Road which leads west at Soldotna and follows the shore of Cook Inlet south to Kasilof...bringing us back to the Sterling Highway. However, before we reached the end of the beach road, Mark, found a little turnoff It took us down to the </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n4mGhVOYsDM/U6JXeqFG4DI/AAAAAAAARQg/st0S1hYLndo/s1600-h/DSC_3614%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3614" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3614" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D6aqX4_xTj4/U6JXf78Ze4I/AAAAAAAARQo/RONka9DwBh0/DSC_3614_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a> </p> <p align="center">waterfront. Here we found lots of campers and fishermen. And, out of all the people that were here, the ones</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gh0PdTesUBg/U6JXh7VYG9I/AAAAAAAARQw/0BCi6xQgDvA/s1600-h/DSC_0846%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0846" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0846" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8KU2kDsjDo8/U6JXlDNu0tI/AAAAAAAARQ4/q21xQFDe-yw/DSC_0846_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">we chose to talk to, know Wallace and Wanda. It is indeed a small world.</p> <p align="center">They are using nets to bring in the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ed9kjjae9YU/U6JXm7ckdhI/AAAAAAAARRA/tGT9Xvn-7LI/s1600-h/DSC_3616%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3616" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3616" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dg_5ZWFXHy4/U6JXoQsTlaI/AAAAAAAARRI/FF1wruAnw_o/DSC_3616_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="212"></a> </p> <p align="center">fish...a privilege offered only to Alaskan residents.</p> <p align="center">Across the road from the waterfront, we watched the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mP-ir_mjgBc/U6JXpzM0m1I/AAAAAAAARRQ/NsfC6xddKvY/s1600-h/DSC_3623%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_3623" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_3623" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_uTFWZkk4ac/U6JXrj9pEtI/AAAAAAAARRY/ci0RO-rSxQk/DSC_3623_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="332"></a> </p> <p align="center">eagle feeding the baby.</p> <p align="center">Come on guys,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DU0h8fCM0Us/U6JXtG5sI3I/AAAAAAAARRg/twMK0ob9EUY/s1600-h/DSC_0848%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0848" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0848" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rNnxFlzt1cY/U6JXvHqZFEI/AAAAAAAARRo/32G43-8CASQ/DSC_0848_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">it's time to go.</p> <p align="center">As we were heading back into town, we found this little</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yxgiXhz10ok/U6JXxgXzG4I/AAAAAAAARRw/HwfFif-F964/s1600-h/DSC_0850%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0850" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0850" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f6bY2uyx29o/U6JX0YHOHhI/AAAAAAAARR4/QOenrQUz3Ug/DSC_0850_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">shop, Threeguysnowood.com. They are located at the 100th mile marker on the Sterling Highway. Yes, of course, we want to stop. It was a shop filled with</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h1CTTMFLaX8/U6JX2U3KHlI/AAAAAAAARSA/mcWBCmHD9Sg/s1600-h/DSC_0853%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0853" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0853" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nVVAeh4IZ5g/U6JX4eLXT0I/AAAAAAAARSI/c7YPLReUDgI/DSC_0853_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">wooden bowls of all shapes and sizes.</p> <p align="center">Beautiful</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LzmK-9UmkBw/U6JX5zfieaI/AAAAAAAARSQ/JPMnonio-_8/s1600-h/DSC_0852%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0852" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0852" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A0WzsnJUz_w/U6JX7WUUYBI/AAAAAAAARSY/DxuRK4eN_ic/DSC_0852_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">work!</p> <p align="center">We made it back into town for a late lunch...at Molly's favorite, Taco Bell, where we introduced Rich and Mary, not only to Taco Bell, but, to the Meal Deal #3! I think they liked it!</p> <p align="center">Over lunch, we discussed our plans for moving on down the road....and the decision...</p> <p align="center">See you tomorrow from Ninilchik!</p> <p align="center">But, for now, we are all snuggled into our rigs, as once again, the rain has settled over Soldotna.</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-14473370975892354642014-06-16T20:33:00.000-05:002014-06-17T00:27:59.197-05:00Seeing Seward...<p align="center">June 14, 2014</p> <p align="center">We have no real plan for how long we are staying in Seward. But, knowing the guys have a fishing date for Monday, we decided to take advantage of our weekend. So, this morning, along with Bob and Molly, we decided to explore the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eD-5kRhMuvQ/U5_LpYftasI/AAAAAAAARAE/hJkPi02BI0s/s1600-h/DSC_0540%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0540" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0540" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--Gw2M1b6Jzg/U5_LrbGh43I/AAAAAAAARAM/qWxu-6X4_Jk/DSC_0540_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Kenai Fjords National Park.</p> <p align="center">After a stop in town at the Park Headquarters for our official park stamp and sticker, we drove a little ways out of Seward to the Exit Glacier Road. Nine miles out the Exit Glacier Road, we found the</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eEQ7GMtECtg/U5_LsuqeNII/AAAAAAAARAU/K0Lxb2YteDA/s1600-h/DSC_0544%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0544" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0544" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LL3bH1xNT2s/U5_LuTWokMI/AAAAAAAARAc/5w8CCzCJlCc/DSC_0544_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="259"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Nature Center. We learned a little more about</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TvK7AjqEg2o/U5_LvtxvNKI/AAAAAAAARAk/IlFvSwN5knQ/s1600-h/DSC_0545%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0545" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0545" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DrNG8AI09G4/U5_LxS5KkII/AAAAAAAARAs/0WSZFexV1J8/DSC_0545_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">glaciers and ice fields. And, just how they are</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-owaegjXk2H4/U5_Ly9izGOI/AAAAAAAARA0/4wKGhZIHbw8/s1600-h/DSC_0546%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0546" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0546" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FQQDePUa4WQ/U5_L0rzfn8I/AAAAAAAARA8/wquV71G181s/DSC_0546_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">formed.</p> <p align="center">Time to hit the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vmfhOZJKXVY/U5_L2frHFQI/AAAAAAAARBE/1kU4br1HmHM/s1600-h/DSC_0549%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0549" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0549" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ov9NyS6XuTI/U5_L4bSdGZI/AAAAAAAARBM/2VtcwYHh46E/DSC_0549_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">trail. We walked</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5qduL8lVNTU/U5_L6AHigrI/AAAAAAAARBU/DFeGZRfSa2k/s1600-h/DSC_0558%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0558" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0558" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G50MDxcB_2U/U5_L8VChOQI/AAAAAAAARBc/HISiV5iojXA/DSC_0558_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">this way and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SlQKE_i6kBE/U5_L-Qb54BI/AAAAAAAARBk/8Zf-Mqyum7Y/s1600-h/DSC_0551%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0551" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0551" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-idHEjgLpEEU/U5_MApfuR5I/AAAAAAAARBs/3sme5CzMjCc/DSC_0551_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">that way.</p> <p align="center">Seeing that in</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ryeZCcRe_VM/U5_MCpAtGUI/AAAAAAAARB0/JMxg9DxIKPo/s1600-h/DSC_0587%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0587" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0587" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9H-5Pd9n0gQ/U5_N5A7xZvI/AAAAAAAARCA/D0sZBziibDA/DSC_0587_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">1961 the glacier was at this point.</p> <p align="center">Less than a mile on up the trail, we found</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SgWYJt0Gx24/U5_N7Aujo8I/AAAAAAAARCI/moJpMdsPn4k/s1600-h/DSC_0563%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0563" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0563" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZGv69dOWIF4/U5_N85GNpoI/AAAAAAAARCQ/NgC-hkSMRAc/DSC_0563_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the trail that led us on to the face of</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c58WR8GwaAo/U5_N_ot3G4I/AAAAAAAARCY/WpV5eS5PZOY/s1600-h/DSC_0567%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0567" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0567" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HHvb4rGkr0w/U5_OCKwIs-I/AAAAAAAARCg/CPmgxKS-7GI/DSC_0567_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Exit Glacier.</p> <p align="center">Up close we could see</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-odrY3Z48X-0/U5_OD_tEB9I/AAAAAAAARCo/DzW6Fiwkpso/s1600-h/DSC_0568%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0568" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0568" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x2OapsUnvnY/U5_OF8g6FgI/AAAAAAAARCw/SShfSeccuK8/DSC_0568_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the beautiful blue ice and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zFSuiLepHhM/U5_OH3CnUdI/AAAAAAAARC4/d05faDOovNE/s1600-h/DSC_0575%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0575" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0575" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zaIxmkj4MCc/U5_OJzENKeI/AAAAAAAARDA/HTGh3u4A3Ow/DSC_0575_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">water falls that have formed from the melting ice.</p> <p align="center">From our view point, we could see clearly down to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aMpLApxw604/U5_OLhAgUQI/AAAAAAAARDI/5gh6ESZqDiw/s1600-h/DSC_0582%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0582" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0582" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xCltVbgLmgg/U5_OOUo7BvI/AAAAAAAARDQ/Fge83TfGdGg/DSC_0582_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Exit Creek and Washout Plain.</p> <p align="center">And, across from the glacier, we saw the beauty of</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2gIwoW0HdcM/U5_OQM4-QbI/AAAAAAAARDY/sZtG-ldAG50/s1600-h/DSC_0560%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0560" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0560" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZoPJV0u9qMQ/U5_OR_hPTII/AAAAAAAARDg/bY_J97-W9XM/DSC_0560_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">of the mountain range.</p> <p align="center">Great day hiking in the mountains.</p> <p align="center">After lunch, we drove out to Bear Creek RV Park where Wallace and Wanda are staying. We were surprised to find that</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nyhHO4un0LQ/U5_OTWkAawI/AAAAAAAARDo/eotboSWKhwI/s1600-h/DSC_0638%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0638" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0638" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XP4pTHH9Gzs/U5_OVeXlOoI/AAAAAAAARDw/7bbrpvWuLx8/DSC_0638_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Mark had arrived to stay for a few days</p> <p align="center">Wallace wanted to take us to see the salmon, so,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m3YNEz17IDE/U5_OXBOJC1I/AAAAAAAARD4/RbgOvbE7dXc/DSC_0653%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img title="DSC_0653" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0653" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vS5wByhta68/U5_Ogb3Wq_I/AAAAAAAAREA/N14x7OS69ec/DSC_0653_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">we walked down the road from the RV Park, stopping by</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6btJoVJuHKg/U5_OiCnvT9I/AAAAAAAAREI/CFQRXGkS8X8/s1600-h/DSC_0589%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0589" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0589" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Jbm-vHK-QDI/U5_Oj7R2pTI/AAAAAAAAREQ/IJNM10nYuZ4/DSC_0589_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="295"></a> </p> <p align="center">the river, where we begin to see the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Oc9vFRiuOEU/U5_OlXHlJhI/AAAAAAAAREY/gdR-zsJgJ4c/s1600-h/DSC_0592%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0592" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0592" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RHkuHJ9FrAs/U5_OnPGHj1I/AAAAAAAAREg/kZpLucxxBJY/DSC_0592_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Sockeye Salmon. They are making their way</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gKazcPLhSVU/U5_OorIcY7I/AAAAAAAAREo/sFZafFjHrdQ/s1600-h/DSC_0623%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0623" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0623" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iEb5r2iCBCU/U5_OqHqkllI/AAAAAAAAREw/ltSnMQaQ6S8/DSC_0623_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">up stream...their last trip to Bear Lake.</p> <p align="center">First stop...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZiDKTsc-5cw/U5_OrreHXqI/AAAAAAAARE4/biNs06HmLPw/s1600-h/DSC_0645%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0645" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0645" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EadMVwtA-Rk/U5_OtwzbXPI/AAAAAAAARFA/eDdTHOZq0QQ/DSC_0645_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Bear Lake Weir.</p> <p align="center">Here, we watched them jump</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ay9B_KvTIN0/U5_OvaJH1OI/AAAAAAAARFI/Q_ntudIBX1A/s1600-h/DSC_0641%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0641" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0641" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F8a5Rk2xtiM/U5_OwyUvB8I/AAAAAAAARFQ/thygoLu_wIw/DSC_0641_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="163"></a> </p> <p align="center">an artificial falls.</p> <p align="center">During May and June, millions of smolts are released into Bear Lake and swim down Bear Creek to salt water at the head of Resurrection Bay. Between July and September, some 10,000 to 20,000 sockeye salmon swim seven miles up the creek.</p> <p align="center"> Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association monitors the migrating salmon at the weir.</p> <p align="center">Here, at the weir, the male and females are separated. The females are</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kpBOW-6S3V0/U5_OyqTJs5I/AAAAAAAARFY/kPGvKYtAJ4I/s1600-h/DSC_0600%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0600" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0600" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h8Y-2nPg8wU/U5_O0Rqe7rI/AAAAAAAARFg/M2Djw_8ecD4/DSC_0600_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">inoculated and tagged</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ijsPYlYAVB0/U5_O1k0dHFI/AAAAAAAARFo/OnXuraBDQB0/s1600-h/DSC_0603%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0603" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0603" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dj1xNr65b0Y/U5_O3ZWt-xI/AAAAAAAARFw/nlhb0uoKRyo/DSC_0603_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">before they are sent up stream to the lake where they spawn.</p> <p align="center">As for the males...so many are allowed to head up steam, the rest are sent on to the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NcslcPwlg-8/U5_O46_umeI/AAAAAAAARF4/VQYFEvj64-A/s1600-h/DSC_0598%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0598" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0598" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MgJjs6-wApQ/U5_O67RdK3I/AAAAAAAARGA/LmeC6Rt_HE4/DSC_0598_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">processor.</p> <p align="center">Very interesting...the life cycle of the salmon.</p> <p align="center">We said good night to Wallace and Wanda, Bennit and Bea and headed into town where we planned to have dinner at</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Crlu9k1HRNY/U5_O8MJBooI/AAAAAAAARGI/7Zy5Y6ny4xY/s1600-h/DSC_0659%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0659" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0659" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BIyPzKdlLiQ/U5_O91y_ZQI/AAAAAAAARGQ/_1L2krCA1_k/DSC_0659_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Thor's. This is nothing more than a little lounge, but, the food is outstanding. Mark and I shared a bucket of "buts"...halibut that is. It was a bowl of 14 halibut chunks. He had a baked potato and I had a salad. Awesome!</p> <p align="center">By the time we retuned to the campground, the folks parked along the beach had</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zWizicWjihs/U5_O_Ms6PaI/AAAAAAAARGY/r7G_3i7bHHA/s1600-h/DSC_0660%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0660" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0660" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2wpZM40qt8M/U5_PAycvOHI/AAAAAAAARGg/lO2nbIGodhY/DSC_0660_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">campfires burning bright! and were enjoying a beautiful evening.</p> <p align="center">Mark and Bob found some locals to visit with while Molly and I</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5plxvtRtX6w/U5_PCW3XpMI/AAAAAAAARGo/KfIglj_NZ54/s1600-h/DSC_0669%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0669" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0669" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bFiASSzPOAA/U5_PD5TPebI/AAAAAAAARGw/_w3kM9vrRag/DSC_0669_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">took a walk into town. By the time we reached</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E2pdcACH8gs/U5_PFS4Sp4I/AAAAAAAARG4/-lhHTyAbRFk/s1600-h/DSC_0672%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0672" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0672" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_3OdgGmKVXk/U5_PGwPgqGI/AAAAAAAARHA/HI2vC8_JZz8/DSC_0672_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">pier, the fishing charters were back in the harbor. We got to see</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pFasx_beyxo/U5_PIR1d7HI/AAAAAAAARHI/61mMEz_rOy4/s1600-h/DSC_0675%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0675" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0675" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z2dw4aR2zp4/U5_PJ22v8EI/AAAAAAAARHQ/P1uujBUidKY/DSC_0675_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">all the catches of the day. As well as these</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5Tk_WU3__vE/U5_PLCyfyTI/AAAAAAAARHY/j9uLwneYU7c/s1600-h/DSC_0676%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0676" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0676" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xa_y6zAP81Q/U5_PM8_hepI/AAAAAAAARHg/gbAl_62g3BI/DSC_0676_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">guys waiting for their dinner.</p> <p align="center">A great day in Seward.</p> <p align="center">June 15, 2014</p> <p align="center">Happy Father's Day</p> <p align="center">After a leisure morning, we decided to walk into town. We did a little shopping at the hardware/fishing store. We saw Wallace, Wanda, Bennit, Bea, Bill, and Judy who were waiting for their</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FDSvt1-Qj58/U5_PObOSpdI/AAAAAAAARHo/nGoRdtU4-IU/s1600-h/DSC_0677%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0677" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0677" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qmXzgOagp-k/U5_PQ7OQYSI/AAAAAAAARHw/lQVffSudK2U/DSC_0677_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">tour to the Fjords.</p> <p align="center">Since we had already done a similar trip, we decided not to go with them. Instead, we chose a trip to go see a sled dog team and learn</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U0pNRF-ZsKk/U5_PSfyKo8I/AAAAAAAARH4/_eCzKs9X9qo/s1600-h/DSC_0696%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0696" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0696" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--ZQoWWZ6Mdk/U5_PUH5axOI/AAAAAAAARIA/7tgwu2ZMzhs/DSC_0696_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"> about the Iditarod.</p> <p align="center"> We played with the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c5b8am1LfsM/U5_PVhyaMLI/AAAAAAAARII/TVqqZ_IVnmU/s1600-h/DSC_0697%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0697" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0697" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VZHMRdrwvwE/U5_PXS19jMI/AAAAAAAARIQ/oUIEre11zBo/DSC_0697_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">dogs. Saw</p> <p align="center"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKxt5_IrIod7MCQNSarn2zcwVye5C_EqSHEdGb6ECcXafQiMi28Hs-6cviH8_FdjQgmfYF1fSv3LpVvZQHJFzcFsUGOUzbCEcRa1sH1VHnEhPFQkh17NlX9gMMHHfhK-Fx6IAC5_UtBWW/s1600-h/DSC_0700%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0700" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0700" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IVuV_d4cBsQ/U5_PaeLdkoI/AAAAAAAARIg/dFmB4EwzxgM/DSC_0700_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">where they live and train.</p> <p align="center">They were all excited</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PCNwNDgbIro/U5_Pb4UE8jI/AAAAAAAARIo/N5at-ricuec/s1600-h/DSC_0706%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0706" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0706" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZUFkk14DJ64/U5_PdZbcXhI/AAAAAAAARIw/VdkqtzEDAWc/DSC_0706_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">and barked loudly wanting to be one of the 16 chosen to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vQH2jHPGAJM/U5_PfDmKBUI/AAAAAAAARI4/XUWnvsT-Bf4/s1600-h/DSC_0708%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0708" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0708" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6BbBiclDWuw/U5_Pg8Ew-lI/AAAAAAAARJA/xd-u1YcAbts/DSC_0708_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">to take us on a ride.</p> <p align="center">We learned a lot about the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8ETh6s4Y_ZY/U5_PihHqMsI/AAAAAAAARJI/kSXF5rZuuO8/s1600-h/DSC_0723%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0723" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0723" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u6fdg_9R3ws/U5_PksLBklI/AAAAAAAARJQ/wEhVu2Ow_5A/DSC_0723_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">musher's life during the 1000 mile Iditarod trip from Willow to Nome.</p> <p align="center">We got to see and hold a new litter of</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3sDimQ9TovA/U5_PmdANoPI/AAAAAAAARJY/U8_YSYVeNDM/s1600-h/DSC_0718%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0718" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0718" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qcQdnD6DUB4/U5_Pn1Il5GI/AAAAAAAARJg/IJ9bCWDCayU/DSC_0718_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">puppies. </p> <p align="center">This particular team of dogs is part of the Seavey Family. They are now four generations of musher's and are celebrating 50 years of mushing. They are indeed Iditarod champions.</p> <p align="center">Thanks for sharing your lifestyle and dog team with us.</p> <p align="center">Also, while we were out driving around town, we found this</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-na8nz9TdZzs/U5_PpuAKvsI/AAAAAAAARJo/oxi0Xy02UOU/s1600-h/DSC_0687%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0687" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0687" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Em6pWBRjEow/U5_PrIKVxcI/AAAAAAAARJw/lRtbNrvxkK4/DSC_0687_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">building constructed of shipping containers.</p> <p align="center">And, we found this</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AgsbDi8emDU/U5_PtOWCV9I/AAAAAAAARJ4/KOap5Oi3t1M/s1600-h/DSC_0683%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0683" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0683" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KjcY9k3-JaE/U5_Pu4QOGNI/AAAAAAAARKA/b_HZMgkk3i4/DSC_0683_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful little creek on the other side of the bay. I love the reflection!</p> <p align="center">We have enjoyed our weekend in Seward, and beautiful it was.</p> <p align="center"> But, this morning, as the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xf9RG3QENx0/U5_Pwo5j2zI/AAAAAAAARKI/ODrQdrmp4-U/s1600-h/DSC_0738%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0738" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0738" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mRTOiMHohN0/U5_PyiAJcBI/AAAAAAAARKQ/FZ1TIKZp0S0/DSC_0738_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">guys headed out to meet Wallace, Bennit, and Mark to go fishing, the weather began to deteriorate. And, due to some unseasonable system that rolled in from the Pacific, it has gone downhill all day.</p> <p align="center">Tonight, our beautiful</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TjgYgCz2CyU/U5_P0KqAsEI/AAAAAAAARKY/bUwamenhQnM/s1600-h/DSC_0732%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0732" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0732" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HW49ReY2m5E/U5_P14NBtoI/AAAAAAAARKg/Qa29jub4pMk/DSC_0732_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">view of watching the cruise ships come and go...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bKIs1JQU26Q/U5_P3UfHAQI/AAAAAAAARKo/usR624wxcVE/s1600-h/DSC_0740%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0740" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0740" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q6_6pdE2egk/U5_P5BGOQNI/AAAAAAAARKw/H2JFT-t3Yzo/DSC_0740_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">is now nothing more than a blur!</p> <p align="center">We have enjoyed our stay here in Seward, lots of good halibut and chowder, ice cream, and sightseeing.</p> <p align="center"> Tomorrow, weather permitting, we plan to pack up and move to Soldotna. See you back here real soon with the next Alaskan adventure!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-40079430061932305622014-06-14T13:43:00.001-05:002014-06-14T13:43:17.789-05:00On To Seward...<p align="center">June 13, 2014</p> <p align="center">Today, we traveled a mere 80 miles to the little town of Seward. Other than</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l4pWJpcFYs0/U5yWMjIgRGI/AAAAAAAAQ6w/HK3fUjL2wDQ/s1600-h/DSC_04023.jpg"><img title="DSC_0402" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0402" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gFumscuCxmo/U5yWTFLvwLI/AAAAAAAAQ64/Sr4OYvfs7pQ/DSC_0402_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">packing up and traveling</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZHyE4Bj6R7Q/U5yWVow4lJI/AAAAAAAAQ7A/BocF2qcGFxQ/s1600-h/DSC_04323.jpg"><img title="DSC_0432" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0432" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WDBEgXUOt08/U5yWc0M7cKI/AAAAAAAAQ7I/qkQPeeyBUC4/DSC_0432_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">in the rain, the trip was a non event.</p> <p align="center">The drive from Whittier to Seward was</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hSsZUfZiBe8/U5yWipwj6CI/AAAAAAAAQ7Q/U0jGW7V0goQ/s1600-h/DSC_04303.jpg"><img title="DSC_0430" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0430" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--nf8pXmiUSw/U5yWpoAvMVI/AAAAAAAAQ7Y/cs6iLr5yT_E/DSC_0430_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful. There were several</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SKYpErrQhAU/U5yWwwl2nWI/AAAAAAAAQ7g/tTjGAgLox5o/s1600-h/DSC_04543.jpg"><img title="DSC_0454" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0454" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BWleqaOGxXg/U5yW2Fw57iI/AAAAAAAAQ7o/iOzCc53e0nw/DSC_0454_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">gorgeous lakes and lots of</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-huV1x2rLnyU/U5yW3_z1QBI/AAAAAAAAQ7w/9q6Axnl-hN8/s1600-h/DSC_04583.jpg"><img title="DSC_0458" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0458" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8yGu3hXFm2k/U5yW59mXTMI/AAAAAAAAQ74/3bris1oziH8/DSC_0458_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">streams and rivers along the way. But, I never get</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9WSOa9iYnNE/U5yW7YOtu-I/AAAAAAAAQ8A/qy-HrLLlN7k/s1600-h/DSC_04606.jpg"><img title="DSC_0460" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0460" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qXtMbwgNDGg/U5yW9kjdx1I/AAAAAAAAQ8I/kSlDe7dw4Hc/DSC_0460_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">tired of the snow capped mountains.</p> <p align="center">We arrived in Seward, and quickly found the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DQWrmcdY0jY/U5yW_cfF3iI/AAAAAAAAQ8Q/RU2FXP8OycA/s1600-h/DSC_04653.jpg"><img title="DSC_0465" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0465" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0bYtA74R92E/U5yXB89LYAI/AAAAAAAAQ8Y/OPHcOXgsaM0/DSC_0465_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"> Waterfront Campground. Oh, did I say campground. This is the first time we have stayed in a campground in ten days. We have been spoiled by our beautiful free pullouts along the way, but, since we are here for a few days, the campground was our best option. A little water and electricity never hurts.</p> <p align="center"> And, we certainly can't complain about </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XnbtRzq4Iks/U5yXDjUUdcI/AAAAAAAAQ8g/eQCu0sETA1s/s1600-h/DSC_04693.jpg"><img title="DSC_0469" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0469" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JUBWXZL2GOQ/U5yXGuDfO8I/AAAAAAAAQ8o/a3otLiPrq38/DSC_0469_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">the view of Resurrection Bay just out our front window.</p> <p align="center">Thank goodness, we arrived early...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yr_q3dysVfQ/U5yXJSdxe3I/AAAAAAAAQ8w/499J90iYc34/s1600-h/DSC_0466%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0466" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0466" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8mQpdPC6Cxw/U5yXLmWKHzI/AAAAAAAAQ84/sOFQOduC-So/DSC_0466_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">because it didn't take long for the campground to fill up!</p> <p align="center">We took off to see the little</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3-8JemaXw3k/U5yXNe_LORI/AAAAAAAAQ9A/T-5kFB-L7VY/s1600-h/DSC_0471%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0471" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0471" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sGT2gs5UU_4/U5yXP3LsUoI/AAAAAAAAQ9I/McE674nFUb8/DSC_0471_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">little town by the bay.</p> <p align="center">Later in the afternoon, we caught up with Wallace, Wanda, Bennit and Bea to visit the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XyyNclgrc7E/U5yXSHpu_II/AAAAAAAAQ9Q/50emqq2noSA/s1600-h/DSC_04853.jpg"><img title="DSC_0485" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0485" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HC5axyPLGAk/U5yXU81CBLI/AAAAAAAAQ9Y/hbb7tJfFJF4/DSC_0485_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Sea Life Center here in Seward. We had fun watching the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WgdXJKwStYQ/U5yXW7RtY8I/AAAAAAAAQ9g/xR-AOGWUi1c/s1600-h/DSC_04973.jpg"><img title="DSC_0497" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0497" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ezMN3S9LcLk/U5yXZFcPCZI/AAAAAAAAQ9o/LZIWuIKYwOc/DSC_0497_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Puffins, the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QwArF0CZxZI/U5yXbCBO2BI/AAAAAAAAQ9w/bbKhF_n7hs4/s1600-h/DSC_05063.jpg"><img title="DSC_0506" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0506" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gFs8xazkxM8/U5yXdFIKEVI/AAAAAAAAQ94/0HW2yhF2P0o/DSC_0506_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Harbor Seals, and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UVr3TA8bK4E/U5yXegZ0DZI/AAAAAAAAQ-A/-eU02b8aac0/s1600-h/DSC_05043.jpg"><img title="DSC_0504" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0504" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KQegbE5dcns/U5yXgfHSuhI/AAAAAAAAQ-I/z6lBZxgqOhQ/DSC_0504_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Sea Lions...this one was patiently waiting for his dinner to be served. He obviously knows that it comes from behind this door!</p> <p align="center">Afterwards, we drove</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kD4Kx_fiBxs/U5yXiHh1oxI/AAAAAAAAQ-Q/LiNJC8JHgfU/s1600-h/DSC_04753.jpg"><img title="DSC_0475" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0475" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1945vNxXy30/U5yXkH75KOI/AAAAAAAAQ-Y/3dpr98fKYP8/DSC_0475_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">just down the road to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w-X_nAvlWq4/U5yXmNzL2dI/AAAAAAAAQ-g/ldnTe5GiSdE/s1600-h/DSC_05243.jpg"><img title="DSC_0524" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0524" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jc0CArOq8Z4/U5yXoTVRUgI/AAAAAAAAQ-o/9UVfFL5YIzc/DSC_0524_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Miller's Landing Fish Camp to check out the menu for a possible plan for tomorrow night's dinner. They cook the fish and everyone that comes brings a side dish. Who knows...might just be the spot.</p> <p align="center">Time to head home.</p> <p align="center"> Even though the temperatures today have held in the 50's, but, with the on and off rain, it seems a lot colder than it is...so, we all decided to do dinner tonight at our own rigs...and something warm was on my mind.</p> <p align="center">So, a pot of Chicken, Wild Rice, and Mushrooms was soon simmering on the stove.</p> <p align="center">No better way to finish off the day, a warm bowl of soup, watching</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hDY_SkJtsc8/U5yXqNXspHI/AAAAAAAAQ-w/jHDSdDGu3E4/s1600-h/DSC_05373.jpg"><img title="DSC_0537" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0537" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-alLdYUC4oRM/U5yXsRHik_I/AAAAAAAAQ-4/NEXEjl4iCqg/DSC_0537_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">the cruise ship right out the front window of the motor home...well, that is unless</p> <p align="center"> it is watching these two</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bfkZ8HdX4XY/U5yXuHDq1EI/AAAAAAAAQ_A/8dpirPIfcW0/s1600-h/DSC_0529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0529" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0529" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NR8EdxZK4bk/U5yXweW6XjI/AAAAAAAAQ_I/-LQv0KAabKs/DSC_0529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="444"></a> </p> <p></p> <p align="center">bundled up crazies out for a walk!</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-37873220053554903542014-06-13T16:08:00.001-05:002014-06-13T16:08:54.896-05:00A Prince Of A Day...Whittier, AK<p align="center">June 12, 2014</p> <p align="center">Today's adventure, took us into the little town of</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G7rRVK_Kxxs/U5qcwghOGsI/AAAAAAAAQwY/ny3btSdyaVA/s1600-h/DSC_0051%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0051" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0051" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qZO9vaEhxjU/U5qc0CFFsMI/AAAAAAAAQwg/XKKkeX_TUh0/DSC_0051_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Whittier. It is a small fishing town with a beautiful</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y-rcjHIgrgk/U5qc19bK0wI/AAAAAAAAQwo/uvbHJDLyiSE/s1600-h/DSC_0036%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0036" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0036" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a_AqFu7DIeM/U5qc3wrG3II/AAAAAAAAQww/Ibvl31VXd20/DSC_0036_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">harbor. It is also the home of the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Oq3SptNuvS0/U5qc5bJt2OI/AAAAAAAAQw4/pVzlsT_DGHE/s1600-h/DSC_0023%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0023" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0023" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--aOE8uMNLRE/U5qc7H_6FAI/AAAAAAAAQxA/eF1kMFkjIFI/DSC_0023_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Klondike Express. On the advice of a friend, we signed up for the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nTX6TzeE98I/U5qc9EnV4xI/AAAAAAAAQxI/xjfxiBARIYA/s1600-h/DSC_0027%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0027" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0027" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y7Rn_0NCalQ/U5qc_d2VoCI/AAAAAAAAQxQ/Wc6Niw6362U/DSC_0027_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">26 Glacier Tour on Prince William Sound.</p> <p align="center">The boat didn't leave port until 12:30, but, we had to be at the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P3QQO-n6Sug/U5qdA2JUJOI/AAAAAAAAQxY/OTXCsulrQtI/s1600-h/DSC_0002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9ndpoeLYKWM/U5qdC9TR6tI/AAAAAAAAQxg/icqFTGU7cVw/DSC_0002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">toll plaza and in</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lD3KjKqH8jY/U5qdEfxbprI/AAAAAAAAQxo/HTxSxOPDFd8/s1600-h/DSC_0012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0012" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0012" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MwJmChlDGnE/U5qdGdeOxsI/AAAAAAAAQxw/TrMqz24qQIw/DSC_0012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">line at the staging area by 10:15 in order to get through the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kdAdOYxS014/U5qdHnJO-SI/AAAAAAAAQx4/jAXgL7oDYq8/s1600-h/DSC_0013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0013" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0013" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRDiGmBVhFXD7qjnYqPboIcT8c-MEO66aCMYZmp8l6Ivk24rSYoZvR5oWq7lKzPZJWYeIKkQP0yf8yUUWlaF_fD7wUS_2JXIMD632fZ2sTegS0fgfF02125z_xuWShgFb18QASwmZUOEt/?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel at 10:30. The 2.5 mile World War II - era railroad tunnel was transformed into the longest vehicle-railroad tunnel in North America by 2000. It is a one lane tunnel and times are alternated in and out of Whittier. However, to complicate matters, automobile traffic also share the tunnel with the incoming and outgoing train. Someone really had to work out that schedule!</p> <p align="center">We made it through the tunnel and on to Whittier to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GkoUjtqGeJk/U5qdK16ktHI/AAAAAAAAQyI/xGbeYG3g890/s1600-h/DSC_0021%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0021" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0021" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yBTLPwF3VYnPfiSbNIvCZQAn1uVRSKeJUee6528-tcTsdqDO2Kw2EeecLctMsCH7OoqxfjyFIAPDv5cU6lwpJVAQqrYmvU6cgGo0sdxgjQmM7cq4ZJ1jc8WCh4ushwTtwP7VaUd2sy1V/?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">check in for our tour. We found that we had time to see</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nQH4S8MtA-Q/U5qdObab5xI/AAAAAAAAQyY/vfFzQ-OF-z8/s1600-h/DSC_0029%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0029" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0029" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ESUDVSlYnpk/U5qdQfv72ZI/AAAAAAAAQyg/vHmFsTOLYcE/DSC_0029_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">a little</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aejZH-YIoIE/U5qdSJANLTI/AAAAAAAAQyo/1ePU3-iAAfU/s1600-h/DSC_0372%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0372" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0372" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tt-DhQH_Rjw/U5qdUNDn8FI/AAAAAAAAQyw/2rX7wIw_jtA/DSC_0372_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">of the town before time to board our little ship.</p> <p align="center">What a beautiful</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p2kRNcX0MUY/U5qdVwFZ6II/AAAAAAAAQy4/sSbwKilO9Gg/s1600-h/DSC_0003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0003" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FOkML0aEiIM/U5qdXteeGoI/AAAAAAAAQzA/6GfwEQZmGPY/DSC_0003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">view of both mountains and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nUJ5Tmr7-CU/U5qdaD_R-lI/AAAAAAAAQzI/5POcpjH4FK0/s1600-h/DSC_0030%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0030" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0030" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t0CfOSrWDyM/U5qdcC4RT6I/AAAAAAAAQzQ/u_VRD2JaoWM/DSC_0030_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">sea.</p> <p align="center">We were back at the dock in plenty of time, boarded, and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yyUaws8BL_s/U5qdd7OnXpI/AAAAAAAAQzY/jyyQanKp29E/s1600-h/DSC_0297%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0297" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0297" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SjxJrkx9Dto/U5qdfozKkpI/AAAAAAAAQzg/RzrlDnQ3K4M/DSC_0297_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">our Captain headed out to the Sound, leaving behind us, the </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bCY-x4R-vpQ/U5qdhPtH0LI/AAAAAAAAQzo/8tcb2ds8hVg/s1600-h/DSC_0061%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0061" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0061" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TsZn7EcInVM/U5qdi01IimI/AAAAAAAAQzw/25S8Y7q3VZM/DSC_0061_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">quite little town.</p> <p align="center">Our journey aboard the largest, fastest catamaran in Alaska took us through</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RwZ6Xp0b-dg/U5qdkVY7SHI/AAAAAAAAQz4/p7eLHN_r7RM/s1600-h/DSC_0132%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0132" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0132" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-is8aOYp69Ks/U5qdlsno4CI/AAAAAAAAQ0A/YUE37YIQehQ/DSC_0132_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">rugged wilderness and into the open waters of </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MXehok5CtZc/U5qdnYob-UI/AAAAAAAAQ0I/QjsK3HJGO7Q/s1600-h/DSC_0066%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0066" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0066" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vAk_gxLxwSk/U5qdpCbhusI/AAAAAAAAQ0Q/7_mEAGbGpzg/DSC_0066_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Prince William Sound, which is composed of 2,100 square miles of islands and fjords carved by 15 million years of glaciations and surrounded by the Chugach National Forest.</p> <p align="center">In most of the Sound, we were in</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OhmRg9eaZgQ/U5qdqU2EhaI/AAAAAAAAQ0Y/6QeU8_Z9FGg/s1600-h/DSC_0336%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0336" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0336" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ubEcskmEIcE/U5qdr7-CGWI/AAAAAAAAQ0g/2nwvfMLjRtk/DSC_0336_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">really deep waters!</p> <p align="center">On our way out, we caught a glimpse of a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s6L35JNlD4I/U5qdtrpg5JI/AAAAAAAAQ0o/Tctm8BJK2GU/s1600-h/DSC_0088%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0088" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0088" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cgbMlVpLW-o/U5qdvZoRuGI/AAAAAAAAQ0w/GlaVv299yVE/DSC_0088_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="324"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Humpback whale just as he was</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CXGoD-XAYzM/U5qdxbYpX1I/AAAAAAAAQ04/ls5ZoftOPFA/s1600-h/DSC_0091%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0091" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0091" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_CaN2oJLjC8/U5qdzUlv30I/AAAAAAAAQ1A/ErVbuVh98rI/DSC_0091_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="363"></a> </p> <p align="center">headed down. Today, he was a little less than cooperative with the cameras all pointed his way.</p> <p align="center">Next, we caught up with a fisherman. He is</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IvGEkI1mZZI/U5qd0396zXI/AAAAAAAAQ1I/OC6xtLldPJw/s1600-h/DSC_0097%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0097" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0097" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G3dFxIE44hQ/U5qd2UNz9RI/AAAAAAAAQ1Q/OansK6rSSzA/DSC_0097_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">gill fishing. I had never seen this before. I am sure it is hard work, but, it looked like the only way to go to me...</p> <p align="center">He puts out the nets, waits, and then starts</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oThItZMezDM/U5qd31RcqTI/AAAAAAAAQ1Y/jP22RaZDweU/s1600-h/DSC_0100%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0100" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0100" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XKGRkGODRn8/U5qd5npBndI/AAAAAAAAQ1g/j81vum-YQDs/DSC_0100_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">reeling them in...hopefully with fish! This type of fishing is regulated by the hatchery, so this fisherman could fish from 8:00 this morning for 24 hours only.</p> <p align="center">After leaving the fisherman, we ran upon some</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-glwpEeqC2VU/U5qd7M0rsVI/AAAAAAAAQ1o/bxNKKeZR-EE/s1600-h/DSC_0178%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0178" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0178" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KG--Q8rXreI/U5qd8kYbOMI/AAAAAAAAQ1w/nBDYyKkUSY4/DSC_0178_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="295"></a> </p> <p align="center">sea otters. They seemed to love having us there and put on quite a show!</p> <p align="center">As we meandered in and out and around the waters of Prince William Sound, we were served a lunch of batter fried cod, chips, and coleslaw. It was very good. They also had complimentary hot coffee and tea all day. And, they served us warm, fresh baked chocolate chip cookies!</p> <p align="center">By the time we were finished we lunch, we begin to see the first of the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ua9c5pYa7nQ/U5qd-q3vzzI/AAAAAAAAQ14/INjetuMvr_w/s1600-h/DSC_0069%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0069" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0069" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yQUiodv3lus/U5qeAmHSNlI/AAAAAAAAQ2A/pFOQ_5TpSqI/DSC_0069_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">ice fields and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UMTsOI-hMCM/U5qeCCeXeVI/AAAAAAAAQ2I/MBKJgoSlflM/s1600-h/DSC_0136%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0136" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0136" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kECqq7i9xsw/U5qeDSjKqmI/AAAAAAAAQ2Q/eS7GIYvN7fI/DSC_0136_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">glaciers. But, it wasn't until, we reached these</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RFmfomuHyIc/U5qeFUl9EkI/AAAAAAAAQ2Y/tmhq5P-Q8_0/s1600-h/DSC_0243%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0243" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0243" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qs3SmLwJG-U/U5qeHwrBuqI/AAAAAAAAQ2g/Kr5T-oO7nm0/DSC_0243_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">glaciers, that we realized just how awesome is this place called Alaska!</p> <p align="center">We saw up close</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pLEg0H4qgwQ/U5qeJB4gjvI/AAAAAAAAQ2o/hCV5o9hmfmU/s1600-h/DSC_0278%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0278" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0278" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iDfRFyb7erE/U5qeLOPRzWI/AAAAAAAAQ2w/6AHSTOAjPQU/DSC_0278_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">and personal, the majesty of the glaciers. The sounds they make when</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GjMDVTkPXy8/U5qeMpLQdtI/AAAAAAAAQ24/j8lrYHniNgA/s1600-h/DSC_0309%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0309" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0309" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O6fwHDQ20ls/U5qeOwLHp2I/AAAAAAAAQ3A/HS2wfIXlUcc/DSC_0309_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">calving, and pieces of ice fall into the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R6TRcx3xpoE/U5qeQLUjjEI/AAAAAAAAQ3I/jwWNRrMB-xU/s1600-h/DSC_0310%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0310" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0310" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NcMk4JuiLSQ/U5qeRtY-NyI/AAAAAAAAQ3Q/KTRjIZ4AG5U/DSC_0310_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">water.</p> <p align="center">All around we saw</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M6zIWI_5zzo/U5qeT90C7iI/AAAAAAAAQ3Y/w8BzVudKyuU/s1600-h/DSC_0306%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0306" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0306" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xW9qNnFRyM0/U5qeVka7oiI/AAAAAAAAQ3g/CJGVNSCmT2k/DSC_0306_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">ice floating in the cold waters.</p> <p align="center"> The floating ice was a resting spot for the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gJX40YNRvr4/U5qeW8IgnfI/AAAAAAAAQ3o/aOGTDlU4yes/s1600-h/DSC_0274%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0274" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iMlSbO8wSQc/U5qeY1oVg3I/AAAAAAAAQ3w/oiCMeIn8sfw/DSC_0274_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="295"></a> </p> <p align="center">harbor seals.</p> <p align="center">Our day was almost over and we had to leave this</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hdHPGHjBUco/U5qea77fz-I/AAAAAAAAQ34/oh1P_PPYQec/s1600-h/DSC_0300%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0300" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7oouQG7oLu8/U5qecEgC3sI/AAAAAAAAQ4A/hUxc_6LEhBg/DSC_0300_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">sight to memory.</p> <p align="center">But, before, we made our way back to port, we made one last stop to see the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r9RVA2rOK5o/U5qedzkMapI/AAAAAAAAQ4I/hHvJs-7leP8/s1600-h/DSC_0348%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0348" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0348" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TnWU1qpMXh8/U5qefg1z_VI/AAAAAAAAQ4Q/TvD2sWCSzyo/DSC_0348_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Black Legged Kittiwake. They are the most prevalent of all bird species in the Sound. This Passage Canal colony near Whittier has more than 10,000 nesting in the surrounding</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KI3C6sxZTxA/U5qehK9CHSI/AAAAAAAAQ4Y/5HP0K9DIwCw/s1600-h/DSC_0351%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0351" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0351" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w5cE7yyi024/U5qei3iDq_I/AAAAAAAAQ4g/GxNufuqTVa4/DSC_0351_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">sea cliffs.</p> <p align="center">By the time our boat docked, a cold rain was sitting in. We made our way to the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-46cjJgavKQ0/U5qeklhGFuI/AAAAAAAAQ4o/inLESiUCygU/s1600-h/DSC_0371%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0371" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0371" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Nl2RTXSICF8/U5qemMdQl0I/AAAAAAAAQ4w/i_7_bF_d8Ns/DSC_0371_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Swiftwater Seafood Cafe where a warm bowl of chowder, rolls, and butter would be just thing to warm us up. Not too hot, not too cold...just right on a cold summer night!</p> <p align="center">After dinner, we walked to the town's</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mJMKs6t2-sQ/U5qeojOgxGI/AAAAAAAAQ44/ndS4-v0W1_E/s1600-h/DSC_0369%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0369" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0369" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vKP09pqeOmw/U5qeqEy7tkI/AAAAAAAAQ5A/anqo9KF66L0/DSC_0369_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">seafood market. We watched while they</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w5OsZYAsKKw/U5toR0OKLTI/AAAAAAAAQ5Y/moZVRgoEepk/s1600-h/DSC_03813.jpg"><img title="DSC_0381" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0381" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E7wOnfiIq2U/U5toTGvTMDI/AAAAAAAAQ5g/8d10ny3o3tc/DSC_0381_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">cut,</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Saes1wTIraE/U5toT9vTCxI/AAAAAAAAQ5o/w9odHAethw4/s1600-h/DSC_03863.jpg"><img title="DSC_0386" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0386" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hyr6JiBizuo/U5toUly54_I/AAAAAAAAQ5w/soXW3k6N-QU/DSC_0386_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">filleted, and made steaks out of this King Salmon.</p> <p align="center">Then, we had a real treat...a lady that had taken one of the fishing charters from Whittier today caught this</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gPPV26iZg7M/U5toVbEbmJI/AAAAAAAAQ54/-uLF_fW6X-4/s1600-h/DSC_03923.jpg"><img title="DSC_0392" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0392" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Eq6j5RH6kPI/U5toWJ-PxjI/AAAAAAAAQ6A/0leZwN10s0g/DSC_0392_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">31 pound Rock Fish. They said it was well over 100 years old! What a way to end our time in Whittier.</p> <p align="center"> It was time for us to head to the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j3zbKmVDjnw/U5toW5a_PzI/AAAAAAAAQ6I/-Wgp1vSZZQ4/s1600-h/DSC_03963.jpg"><img title="DSC_0396" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0396" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mwCDEKRBpmM/U5toXp2nvcI/AAAAAAAAQ6Q/30zECFvVCYw/DSC_0396_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">tunnel. We made it, just as the outgoing traffic light turned green!</p> <p align="center">What an awesome day! There are no words nor pictures to justify the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uNr0-wufmC8/U5toYuXQtnI/AAAAAAAAQ6Y/qiVIyxgyA54/s1600-h/DSC_02993.jpg"><img title="DSC_0299" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0299" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hs33A7pAUMY/U5toZLgSHmI/AAAAAAAAQ6g/_Gz7W8GSiYE/DSC_0299_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">beauty we saw today! </p> <p align="center">We just wonder, can it get any better?</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-19634536514132902182014-06-12T12:17:00.001-05:002014-06-12T12:17:39.638-05:00The 15 Minute Plan...<p align="center">June 11, 2014</p> <p align="center">We woke this morning to the makings of a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZSIzpJvD4V0/U5lbesfZPYI/AAAAAAAAQrI/JDXjax5oqbg/s1600-h/DSC_0247%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0247" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0247" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S_x6ahA8JEU/U5lbggr7oiI/AAAAAAAAQrQ/ajp5l0b19Ac/DSC_0247_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful day. All that rain we had yesterday and last night left</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vZoitwGH1lI/U5lbiLbGtxI/AAAAAAAAQrY/DgITBbxR8xY/s1600-h/DSC_0250%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0250" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0250" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FL8gYWCB6RE/U5lbjjFXdII/AAAAAAAAQrg/c7XaaPa1Qmc/DSC_0250_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">some fresh snow on the mountain tops.</p> <p align="center">We were just getting ready when Bob came knocking at the door. Anyone for breakfast at McDonald's. I had already fixed my cereal, but, Mark said he would go. Bob said come on, Molly will be ready in about 15 minutes. And, they were off.</p> <p align="center">While they were gone to breakfast, I was thinking about our plans for the day. We had talked about doing a few things around Anchorage, but, I had the idea of driving down to Portage and Whittier in the car. When the others returned from McDonalds, we begin to hash out a plan and in about 15 minutes, we had a totally new plan for the day...well, for at least part of the day.</p> <p align="center">We headed out to Mary's first thought, the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9PWANtBFjaQ/U5lblReb-bI/AAAAAAAAQro/hWPDqsIDTyY/s1600-h/DSC_0261%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0261" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0261" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MAWt0AsIaAw/U5lbm1v0knI/AAAAAAAAQrw/655rgt4ylCc/DSC_0261_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Alaska Wild Berry Store, home of the world's largest</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BB1nI8u9QQ0/U5lboMaz2VI/AAAAAAAAQr4/beUqFzDwaGI/s1600-h/DSC_0257%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0257" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0257" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rJNLU8u0DqI/U5lbqeicdtI/AAAAAAAAQsA/Kx5PVUCvd3o/DSC_0257_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">chocolate fountain!</p> <p align="center">Of, course, it was right in the middle of a gift store...more shopping!</p> <p align="center">Rich decided he would just visit</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9eoRPuJ6k6A/U5lbrpk-izI/AAAAAAAAQsI/qUlVGNYru6E/s1600-h/DSC_0259%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0259" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0259" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OEkaYGwqXV0/U5lbtVUTK6I/AAAAAAAAQsQ/2uuZ2doDLbo/DSC_0259_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">with the moose! If you haven't guessed it by now, Rich is not a shopper, but, he is a good sport and lets us do all the shopping we want.</p> <p align="center">With our purchases in hand, we were off to the next stop. Mark chose</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E31Uvf1kDOM/U5lbvbDGoQI/AAAAAAAAQsY/svoMv-Jz3kk/s1600-h/DSC_0276%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0276" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0276" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JKXxCZ9uzyY/U5nfrgNgBWI/AAAAAAAAQso/IWoARsFM2Zo/DSC_0276_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Earthquake Park. This park commemorates the 1964 Earthquake that registered 9.2 and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PqBgcwxj6GM/U5nfuU3FcBI/AAAAAAAAQsw/P90HsvBEPEA/s1600-h/DSC_02723.jpg"><img title="DSC_0272" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0272" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x_wVv2g4D_g/U5nfwz9GiCI/AAAAAAAAQs4/YjBp3HosYlE/DSC_0272_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">happened on Good Friday. </p> <p align="center">This</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9EW-ejvWseU/U5nfzBaB-lI/AAAAAAAAQtA/KnfSICd4oTc/s1600-h/DSC_02744.jpg"><img title="DSC_0274" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bcAcFowUULo/U5nf12y2UCI/AAAAAAAAQtI/uNXpSzL4Wa4/DSC_0274_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">showed some of the devastation from the quake.</p> <p align="center">After a walk through the park, we headed just across the road to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0VS-V3qtOtQ/U5nf38Y5Z4I/AAAAAAAAQtQ/3JPtQbAwakk/s1600-h/DSC_02813.jpg"><img title="DSC_0281" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0281" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dS2oNGay4Y8/U5nf6N2MJhI/AAAAAAAAQtY/agLIX11HBqQ/DSC_0281_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">Lake Hood and the Aviation Museum. We toured the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HSfhgxJVYBQ/U5nf73MF97I/AAAAAAAAQtg/yyXOTbjimuI/s1600-h/DSC_02903.jpg"><img title="DSC_0290" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0290" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IwEq8Xg1EYU/U5nf-RFo8eI/AAAAAAAAQto/I9ov0P2ypbY/DSC_0290_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">museum, saw</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ar14b9nRVug/U5ngAEbosII/AAAAAAAAQtw/rQy24RXUY6U/s1600-h/DSC_02923.jpg"><img title="DSC_0292" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0292" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5OwqIQCLqlk/U5ngCTRQEtI/AAAAAAAAQt4/4RV-OdeDnMU/DSC_0292_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">vintage aircraft, and watched a couple of movies.</p> <p align="center">One was about the planes that fly to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7QFMySfcAXE/U5ngEJ4kobI/AAAAAAAAQuA/wAjLFRJraKY/s1600-h/DSC_02884.jpg"><img title="DSC_0288" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0288" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dzcR9Zgftjc/U5ngGA3BgGI/AAAAAAAAQuI/DtxUzdwrYls/DSC_0288_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="207"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">Glaciers and the other one was about WWII and the bases here in Alaska.</p> <p align="center">Before we left, we had a chance to see a few float planes</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-99ZQROeC_bs/U5ngJAJQISI/AAAAAAAAQuQ/AUzhCPaGuBc/s1600-h/DSC_03123.jpg"><img title="DSC_0312" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0312" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xvzs9a1btIg/U5ngNND9GeI/AAAAAAAAQuY/BbXS8Xx1-w4/DSC_0312_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">come in for a landing.</p> <p align="center">Not a bad morning for a 15 minute plan, however, that was as far as our plan went. So, over lunch, it took us only about 15 more minutes to work out the plan for the afternoon. We decided to head downtown and do some real Alaskan gift shopping.</p> <p align="center">During lunch, we also discussed that we might stay in Anchorage another day and if so, we thought we would move from Camp Sam's Club to Camp Cabala's. After our downtown shopping spree, we headed back to the rigs until time to move.</p> <p align="center">I begin to look at the plan for moving and for tomorrow, when I decided I needed to make a run into Sam's....be back in about 15 minutes, I told Mark. And, when I arrived back to the rig, Molly was there and we started discussing our plans...and, in about 15 minutes we had completely rewritten everything that we had discussed earlier. The new plan...pack up and move, but not to Camp Cabala's...we mean, move on down the road.</p> <p align="center">We spread the word and in about another 15 minutes we were ready to roll on towards Whittier.</p> <p align="center">What a beautiful</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JEcYql7MmnE/U5ngP1NHY-I/AAAAAAAAQug/58kl8Xh--cw/s1600-h/DSC_03353.jpg"><img title="DSC_0335" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0335" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EB3wQkVcNuM/U5ngSFv8WYI/AAAAAAAAQuo/jf7nyW5ubM0/DSC_0335_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">evening drive.</p> <p align="center">We stopped at a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w5sRVCCo-gY/U5ngUHV_z9I/AAAAAAAAQuw/wFvK4hhqhbk/s1600-h/DSC_03473.jpg"><img title="DSC_0347" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0347" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xyPaNcsHLAo/U5ngWTaOwSI/AAAAAAAAQu4/pCKSFNu0UXg/DSC_0347_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">at a pullout where we thought we might see some whales, but no luck. However, we</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yV0lQQ8WhBQ/U5ngYMvEMeI/AAAAAAAAQvA/7Xpr4pm1WIk/s1600-h/DSC_03513.jpg"><img title="DSC_0351" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0351" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LLCIVV_wTt8/U5ngayYKCuI/AAAAAAAAQvI/QwZLvgA6zGI/DSC_0351_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">spotted some sheep on the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z-XOTH61NNA/U5ngdNMVGsI/AAAAAAAAQvQ/HrQpA3U0IO8/s1600-h/DSC_03483.jpg"><img title="DSC_0348" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0348" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zUyU2Y-cBdE/U5ngfWquG3I/AAAAAAAAQvY/KyPvRb20azw/DSC_0348_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">opposite side of the road...way, way up on the ridge.</p> <p align="center">On down the road, we passed the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U6N-MrVq4d0/U5nghMJ4ktI/AAAAAAAAQvg/tDgVj58xswQ/s1600-h/DSC_03813.jpg"><img title="DSC_0381" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0381" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VjTk_syZSsc/U5ngjbxnyPI/AAAAAAAAQvo/03PuvOP8i6c/DSC_0381_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">train loaded with tourist.</p> <p align="center">And, now, we are parked for the night</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ffN9TueSaeU/U5ngkwgR_cI/AAAAAAAAQvw/YST5Bk5m4uU/s1600-h/DSC_04093.jpg"><img title="DSC_0409" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0409" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-deJwJMIA9Ww/U5ngnUUkKGI/AAAAAAAAQv4/6V6GYAhcBII/DSC_0409_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">at a large turnout just out of Whittier. And, once again, it took us about 15 minutes to decide on tomorrow's plan. So, reservations are made and we are going on a 26 Glacier tour in Prince William Sound!</p> <p align="center">But, for now, good night from</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0t4CaQCNke4/U5ngpkEmKoI/AAAAAAAAQwA/i_YBI2pBEQE/s1600-h/DSC_03493.jpg"><img title="DSC_0349" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0349" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O8q0MsW3oOI/U5ngriZDVMI/AAAAAAAAQwI/uie7vj_9eKI/DSC_0349_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">The Turnagain Arm.</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-22482986772827340302014-06-11T01:47:00.001-05:002014-06-11T01:47:54.896-05:00Anchorage, Here We Come...<p align="center">June 10, 2014</p> <p align="center">Last night, when we all said our good nights, we had thoughts of returning to Denali NP this morning to try one more time to see Mt. McKinley and take a tour with the sled dogs. However, the rain that set in last night was still with us this morning, and the temperature was in the 40's. So, reluctantly, we left our</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DCzLEHa-bAs/U5f7OHq7ZHI/AAAAAAAAQnw/kKIIgm6LJeI/s1600-h/DSC_0175%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0175" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0175" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6sQ-hoZR1iM/U5f7PEA5QBI/AAAAAAAAQn4/QTO_2XCj4nA/DSC_0175_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful campsite and made our way towards Anchorage.</p> <p align="center">The ranger at Denali told us that once we moved South, we would have a better chance of seeing Mt. McKinley...</p> <p align="center">Not so...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6OobIJ0pk4w/U5f7QLOqfoI/AAAAAAAAQoA/MwnHGmFTEME/s1600-h/DSC_0184%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0184" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cYk4AVJCnws/U5f7RM6CF9I/AAAAAAAAQoI/iGZadw6t8zg/DSC_0184_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">We located another spot in the Milepost that indicated we might be able to see it...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bQTK75N-4is/U5f7Rw3R9AI/AAAAAAAAQoQ/jzPF81boY8g/s1600-h/DSC_0196%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0196" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0196" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xugdAyrJnDM/U5f7S4qN4uI/AAAAAAAAQoY/xtdy5t-CqGg/DSC_0196_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Molly looked and looked, but, it didn't happen...bummer!</p> <p align="center">The only thing we found at this location was</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3PzrTQl49s0/U5f7T9RnWwI/AAAAAAAAQog/Wqm3DJLsxVA/s1600-h/DSC_0200%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0200" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0200" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r7DmlW7cg5A/U5f7UwtOoqI/AAAAAAAAQoo/j8SWVPI07M4/DSC_0200_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">a great little campground, The Denali View North Campground...long pull-through sites and only $10 a night.</p> <p align="center">Maybe on our way back we will try Mt. McKinley again. So, we remain with the majority, meaning 70% of the visitors to Denali don't get to see the majestic Mt. McKinley.</p> <p align="center">We traveled on towards Anchorage, this time our sights set on stopping in the little town of Talkeetna. We had originally planned to inquire about flying to the top of the glacier...however, in today's weather, that wasn't going to happen. We did find a great place to stop and refuel.. when is the last time you saw</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KgoMRsM_vlM/U5f7VgXkuMI/AAAAAAAAQow/cQaRxMpGc-k/s1600-h/DSC_0209%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0209" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0209" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LLFXGbc6rP4/U5f7WoxV1XI/AAAAAAAAQo4/Nke3-e_44cA/DSC_0209_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">gas and diesel the same price?</p> <p align="center">This station had a big lot just adjacent to it with several long pull-through sites, potable water, and a dump station. This would make a good overnight stay and it was just across the road from the Visitor Center. We waited in the parking lot while Molly and Bob inquired about the little town of Talkeetna, which is 14 miles down a dead end road. They returned with not such good news. We would have to disconnect the car to go there and there wasn't too much to see. So, we decided once again, too rainy, too messy...just keep on moving towards Anchorage.</p> <p align="center">We made a stop just out of Wasilla at The Roadside Inn for lunch. A hot bowl of soup hit the spot on a cool and rainy day.</p> <p align="center">Wasilla is also the headquarters for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Each year the race starts here in Wasilla at the Frozen Willow Lake and ends in Nome. There is a tour you can take...on a nice day!</p> <p align="center">We are not far from Anchorage, and it actually seemed like from Wasilla to Anchorage, we never left the city. Our destination...our favorite campground...</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k59FQrx9leM/U5f7XmNkmQI/AAAAAAAAQpA/fICh2T0zZIU/s1600-h/DSC_0246%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0246" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0246" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nX4Qpn-gOAo/U5f7YXT9RNI/AAAAAAAAQpI/jeMzhQz9pK0/DSC_0246_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Sam's Club and they even furnished a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w2OTQ5LPWYY/U5f7ZSZvFFI/AAAAAAAAQpQ/kkaw5XExQYA/s1600-h/DSC_0245%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0245" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0245" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O6t3GvVqQgU/U5f7aXK3usI/AAAAAAAAQpY/P3E4mMEYz6Q/DSC_0245_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">beautiful view...well, when the sun comes out and it quits raining, the view of the mountains will be really nice.</p> <p align="center">Well, no sense in sitting in the motor home all afternoon, so, Mary headed out to do some shopping. And, there were a lot of choices and she never had to leave the parking lot...Kohl's, Best Buy, Michaels, Lowes,...just to name a few! Rich said, shopping, no way, he stayed at the motor home and took a nap!</p> <p align="center">Bob, Molly, Mark, and I took out to do some exploring and the get the lay of the land. We found the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s6qT_MK-qn8/U5f7brcKgvI/AAAAAAAAQpg/2z1eeGfRDo0/s1600-h/DSC_0230%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0230" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0230" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DOlPGnreZGw/U5f7coZzdoI/AAAAAAAAQpo/DmlEQdNLd5s/DSC_0230_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Ulu Factory. We watched a</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aI6NEd__q-c/U5f7dqCfDWI/AAAAAAAAQpw/TOFYhJGIntY/s1600-h/DSC_0231%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0231" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0231" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SwxAaSZYN9Y/U5f7eu8XOsI/AAAAAAAAQp4/PDCzN1sO8TA/DSC_0231_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">demonstration of this great little Alaskan knife. We watched</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h_pq51_23Zk/U5f7fr3K6nI/AAAAAAAAQqA/LT4HTGF6Va8/s1600-h/DSC_0235%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0235" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0235" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d_bhRGay_yA/U5f7geXONMI/AAAAAAAAQqI/UqrxC6wEpfM/DSC_0235_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">them being made. And, of course, we made our purchases!</p> <p align="center">The factory is right on the water, so we walked down and watched</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BF_kxMrES-w/U5f7hTbLzjI/AAAAAAAAQqQ/uYY4I491z90/s1600-h/DSC_0238%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0238" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0238" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7HoU_gBrzCo/U5f7iQYKRRI/AAAAAAAAQqY/X0LbtX5vJ-A/DSC_0238_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">a few die hard fishermen...I think Bob and Mark</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-srnaJxxcTXA/U5f7jXVMtXI/AAAAAAAAQqg/6AVHaP_mmGs/s1600-h/DSC_0241%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0241" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0241" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8NgksTkGkS0/U5f7ka1RNdI/AAAAAAAAQqo/tJeCsoEGik8/DSC_0241_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">might have picked up the fever!</p> <p align="center">Come on guys...we got places to go...</p> <p align="center">Downtown</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aEXHOvg9H4g/U5f7lErWLtI/AAAAAAAAQqw/_EXMXx3zabs/s1600-h/DSC_0228%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0228" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="DSC_0228" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_st5OTepNto/U5f7mHjLOyI/AAAAAAAAQq4/JMxfG2O-0Yw/DSC_0228_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Anchorage...we located the visitor center and came away with a lot of ideas for things to see and do...</p> <p align="center">So, for now, the rain has gone and the sun is out, even though it is 10:30 p.m.</p> <p align="center">We are looking forward to tomorrow and a fun time in Anchorage. Who knows what we will do or where we will go, but...I am sure we will have fun! </p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5715567631028958582.post-85837428657390000422014-06-10T17:57:00.001-05:002014-06-10T17:57:44.207-05:00Fairbanks Finale and Denali National Park...<p align="center">June 9, 2014</p> <p align="center">Before we move on, there were a couple of other adventures we had while in Fairbanks.</p> <p align="center">We visited the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S6R59djKF5I/U5ddA8xLtxI/AAAAAAAAQgU/rVNTePbz9l8/s1600-h/DSC_08071.jpg"><img title="DSC_0807" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0807" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SgT3LET0KuQ/U5ddCNsMV3I/AAAAAAAAQgc/sDIivwuWWPc/DSC_0807_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Museum of the North located on the campus of The University of Alaska. They had great displays depicting the history of Alaska. Did you know that in 1876, that the United States paid 7.2 million dollars for the Alaskan territory? Pretty pricey for those days. Someone must have had a dream!</p> <p align="center">We also took a tour at the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IsPk-VPvcMc/U5ddDdJKAyI/AAAAAAAAQgk/0Hvf3HvUWNE/s1600-h/DSC_00020012.jpg"><img title="DSC_0002-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0002-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9lzdnE2r6fY/U5ddF9tcISI/AAAAAAAAQgs/78XU2aDrxsg/DSC_0002001_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Gold Dredge No. 8. We saw a potion of the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c0d6hFh7hDA/U5ddHBzpTBI/AAAAAAAAQg0/jYGLPbk0gNY/s1600-h/DSC_0009001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0009-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0009-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LeqZ1gq1JO4/U5ddIA91ocI/AAAAAAAAQg8/EP6_yF4je7U/DSC_0009001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Trans -Alaskan Pipeline</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OMnLAFVhQfI/U5ddJj9ssvI/AAAAAAAAQhE/MNil8FXxCS0/s1600-h/DSC_00170013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0017-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0017-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9UQL_adAn1U/U5ddLG9L_II/AAAAAAAAQhM/e-F_lS-m1Ks/DSC_0017001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">and learned a little about </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h9yGL_gAK-Y/U5ddMtKyoqI/AAAAAAAAQhQ/jMSPVZVqGBY/s1600-h/DSC_0019001.jpg"><img title="DSC_0019-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0019-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y2z7r1EXTVI/U5ddOkPK55I/AAAAAAAAQhc/7eyWJo9ahUw/DSC_0019001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">how and why it goes in and out of the ground. Like, here...it is underground on the hillside, but, then comes above ground to avoid areas of unstable ground. We also learned about</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-20moW0exS8Q/U5ddPqrdVvI/AAAAAAAAQhk/9X1eGBgDpFQ/s1600-h/DSC_00050013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0005-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0005-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ny7i8BMtzm8/U5ddQgBCgCI/AAAAAAAAQhs/hL-tpSh5wc4/DSC_0005001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">"pigs" -- a device used to collect data and clean the pipeline walls.</p> <p align="center">Time to board our</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mxXCjH7al3o/U5ddjIJzDgI/AAAAAAAAQh0/FAXiR82aDUg/s1600-h/DSC_00200013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0020-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0020-001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BoAEHzdFLD8/U5ddkY1u7OI/AAAAAAAAQh8/TgdjdBhaKgU/DSC_0020001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">train, a replica of the Tanana Valley Railroad. We saw reenactments of how the early</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-99X-IsBwe2g/U5ddmBSm_WI/AAAAAAAAQiE/EDIXF4nOkyM/s1600-h/DSC_00250013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0025-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0025-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wh1mNgzRk0Y/U5ddnkgHTlI/AAAAAAAAQiI/Ahj7JcvZxqQ/DSC_0025001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">prospectors worked in the gold fields.</p> <p align="center">Tough</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_OeEUOKKnjE/U5ddo0PcqMI/AAAAAAAAQiU/1LJe0yJU2Mk/s1600-h/DSC_00310013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0031-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0031-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cnleUcxO19o/U5ddrhiX7wI/AAAAAAAAQic/K_s7xrNRJ1A/DSC_0031001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">job those guys had.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5vcYyWhyEW4/U5ddtK6mggI/AAAAAAAAQik/Xq9VYLAFPFQ/s1600-h/DSC_00420013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0042-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0042-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6ObC1aMfTWE/U5ddu156W6I/AAAAAAAAQis/GZqwDEOK8EE/DSC_0042001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">As we continued on through the gold fields, we saw the historic Gold Dredge 8, a 5-deck, 250 foot dredge built in 1928 and operated for 36 years, yielding 3.5 million ounces of gold.</p> <p align="center">The train then took us on into the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hayd7I2eKXg/U5ddwC7R-jI/AAAAAAAAQi0/SBcfHfnAowI/s1600-h/DSC_00500013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0050-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0050-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J1pYhyojQ3Y/U5ddxaqHyGI/AAAAAAAAQi8/8R3zXa-tDFI/DSC_0050001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">camp, where we were given a poke bag filled with pay dirt, and we had our own change to</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yxOz1ZCHZ4c/U5ddztAR7ZI/AAAAAAAAQjE/gg3UOC-eWyY/s1600-h/DSC_00530013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0053-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0053-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-68syNBwxe0Q/U5dd1CZgRqI/AAAAAAAAQjM/O71BkngJu5U/DSC_0053001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">pan for gold and strike it rich! It was fun, but, it is hard work washing that dirt!</p> <p align="center">Once we were done and had deposited our gold flakes into containers, we took it in</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vqk4koLcwp8/U5dd18YjkmI/AAAAAAAAQjU/j21vxzvBDtc/s1600-h/DSC_00560013.jpg"><img title="DSC_0056-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0056-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hm2jYEbo_Jc/U5dd3xo-MfI/AAAAAAAAQjc/xZEUWmvyVTg/DSC_0056001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">to have it weighed. Out of the six of us, Mark was the big winner with $30 worth.</p> <p align="center">We then took our winnings straight to the gift shop. Yep, we all came out with </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pKLHpezm84U/U5dd5Md0nzI/AAAAAAAAQjk/bgrkxD_negM/s1600-h/DSC_32343.jpg"><img title="DSC_3234" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_3234" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hbu2dU-cwSQ/U5dd6mAZuzI/AAAAAAAAQjs/Luh2W01pOMU/DSC_3234_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="299"></a></p> <p align="center">new Alaska jackets! </p> <p align="center">So, with our gold in our pockets and our new jackets, it was time for us to move on...next stop...Denali National Park. Our travel day was a mere 130 miles. We made our way out of Fairbanks to the Parks Highway. It was</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5He93iZXVZY/U5deFvJhexI/AAAAAAAAQj0/nSlL-lEVE3w/s1600-h/DSC_00023.jpg"><img title="DSC_0002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MP4qDkscyuI/U5deHL3fLVI/AAAAAAAAQj8/BINsuk5CJsw/DSC_0002_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">pretty drive, with a stop at the Teklanika</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kboxgIEu7aE/U5deIW_drgI/AAAAAAAAQkE/_jRrMJc2H18/DSC_00343.jpg?imgmax=800"><img title="DSC_0034" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0034" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TXTkQ5CKfdU/U5eM3S3JxZI/AAAAAAAAQkU/57fQaciS8a4/DSC_0034_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a></p> <p align="center">RV Park and Gift Shop. A little more shopping while</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KTFkxHa8kIk/U5eM4Nk7AxI/AAAAAAAAQkc/U218y12ka0k/s1600-h/DSC_00366.jpg"><img title="DSC_0036" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0036" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dYobsgqmnAw/U5eM5VrxJTI/AAAAAAAAQkk/MaqTujmufFQ/DSC_0036_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></a> </p> <p align="center">Mark stayed warm by the fire.</p> <p align="center">And, as good a the shopping was inside, there were lots of fun things to see outside.</p> <p align="center">How about this</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QZYLX90tvVU/U5eM6WsWNhI/AAAAAAAAQks/2sQyLSkQo9Q/s1600-h/DSC_00323.jpg"><img title="DSC_0032" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0032" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Asp0nfhqUrQ/U5eM7tzODdI/AAAAAAAAQk0/31S4NwErXp0/DSC_0032_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">truck...ready for the first snow, or the fact that one parks a </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vwFsFh2l7Tc/U5eM85f-rZI/AAAAAAAAQk8/TGhBID3qOqg/s1600-h/DSC_00263.jpg"><img title="DSC_0026" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0026" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uBQ2-tP5osQ/U5eM96GUedI/AAAAAAAAQlE/jXWWaaJgRg0/DSC_0026_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">front-end loader/back hoe, airplane, pontoons, and truck camper all under one shed! Only in Alaska would one need all these things.</p> <p align="center">Then there was the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uidXHizxg2A/U5eNEjxe61I/AAAAAAAAQlM/rP3S-NJ1tVs/s1600-h/DSC_00313.jpg"><img title="DSC_0031" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0031" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pjVklO3JTgs/U5eNIYZpHZI/AAAAAAAAQlU/Jjxm7p7P9jM/DSC_0031_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">fish wheel and</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k0TTclyJtso/U5eNIzA7LgI/AAAAAAAAQlc/zYeQrCX1wiw/s1600-h/DSC_00272.jpg"><img title="DSC_0027" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0027" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WDDQENv9E0w/U5eNJs_W6kI/AAAAAAAAQlk/F5s_A4RLgzY/DSC_0027_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jf5G389l7rk/U5eNKvp-4yI/AAAAAAAAQls/fING5qxDaKA/s1600-h/DSC_00287.jpg"><img title="DSC_0028" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0028" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SJfsFOCZ6r4/U5eNLSfXNwI/AAAAAAAAQl0/gcTY0Aq7D3k/DSC_0028_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">the cache...</p> <p align="center">After a good morning stop, time to get on down the road...well, that is, until we ran</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FE693i10PbI/U5eNMSwke0I/AAAAAAAAQl8/NIXtnt50pYs/s1600-h/DSC_00903.jpg"><img title="DSC_0090" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0090" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wUbvlVH0e88/U5eNNPMUx9I/AAAAAAAAQmE/nb-HtKcm7Ew/DSC_0090_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">out of road. This is Alaska DOT at work!</p> <p align="center">We made our way slowly through</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iFBXfKDWMGw/U5eNN0520xI/AAAAAAAAQmM/TOpeyUQS1Ps/s1600-h/DSC_00983.jpg"><img title="DSC_0098" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0098" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T3al3RsYQP4/U5eNPiI_4HI/AAAAAAAAQmU/1KqE5Btvyvg/DSC_0098_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center"></p> <p align="center">a couple of areas of construction. Thank goodness, the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6q3ckq02Yyc/U5eNQTXTRzI/AAAAAAAAQmc/z-l621-ipE0/s1600-h/DSC_00693.jpg"><img title="DSC_0069" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0069" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-keBcH5DldpM/U5eNRz1-cfI/AAAAAAAAQmk/pRdaLKWicGM/DSC_0069_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">views were beautiful and the</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IxeK5S89OWQ/U5eNStpeE1I/AAAAAAAAQms/aEOZW1hVbO8/s1600-h/DSC_00683.jpg"><img title="DSC_0068" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0068" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L2EfxC0DWmw/U5eNTp8Fg1I/AAAAAAAAQm0/kbn2nqOHlAo/DSC_0068_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">road at the other end was a work of art!</p> <p align="center">We finally reached Denali, not knowing where we were going to park it for the night. However, since we have been on this trip, Molly, Mary, and I have learned to read the Milepost pretty good. The RV Parks in Alaska are very expensive for very little service. We have been boon-docking quite a bit. So, with a little research, we found this</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wIHtie0Bfn8/U5eNUM92G-I/AAAAAAAAQm8/owNBleiEORc/s1600-h/DSC_01193.jpg"><img title="DSC_0119" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0119" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OgQyiDcIBs4/U5eNVMQuoGI/AAAAAAAAQnE/ad4nz8fdsT0/DSC_0119_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">great turnout, just on the other side of Denali. It's okay, for you to say wow...we did!</p> <p align="center">Time to disconnect the Jeep and head out for a look around Denali NP. And, just up the road, we found this local</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bxM08ETNt6E/U5eNWjrUE-I/AAAAAAAAQnM/9_N1teLZq7o/s1600-h/DSC_01373.jpg"><img title="DSC_0137" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0137" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FRvm_hmdSas/U5eNXqqv7bI/AAAAAAAAQnU/_vOnAgRXSS4/DSC_0137_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">hanging out beside the road...our first moose!</p> <p align="center">On to the park visitor center for a look around, our official passport stamp, sticker, and walking stick medallion.</p> <p align="center">At Denali, in the summer you can only drive 15 miles into the park in a private vehicle. The rest of the way you have to take a park shuttle bus or tour. However, beginning in September and until the first snow, you can drive to mile 30.</p> <p align="center">Today, we just took the Jeep and drove the 15 miles in...hoping that at the top we would have a chance to see</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7irv2lyN4_A/U5eNYZyFWzI/AAAAAAAAQnc/oM5GoQ5ykeg/s1600-h/DSC_01713.jpg"><img title="DSC_0171" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0171" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jlJSfdatPCE/U5eNZaqvq0I/AAAAAAAAQnk/tPnAaxMyaNY/DSC_0171_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="296"></a> </p> <p align="center">Mt. McKinley...no luck today...too many clouds! Maybe tomorrow or the next day day as we continue to travel south towards Anchorage.</p> <p align="center">So, meanwhile back at our great overnight stop by the Nenana River, we are settled in for the night. The rain is also setting in and the temperatures are suppose to drop into the mid 30's.</p> Mark and Dorthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13482828507631535806noreply@blogger.com0